John James Doran

Chief Master-at-Arms, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

Chief Master-at-Arms John James Doran (6 July 1864 - 16 February 1904) was a U.S. Navy sailor who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Spanish-American War.

John James Doran was born on 6 July 1864 in Boston, MA. He enlisted in the Navy on 8 February 1884 and served continuously until his death while serving as Chief Master-at-Arms in USS Montgomery (C-9). He received the Medal of Honor for his actions at Cienfuegos, Cuba, on 11 May 1898.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy

Citation: On board the USS Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Doran set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Honors

• Two ships, USS Doran, were named for him.

• An elementary school in Fall River, MA, is also named for him, as was a former second annex school to the first.

Death and Burial

Chief Master-at-Arms John James Doran died on 16 February 1904. He is buried at Saint Patrick's Cemetery in Fall River, MA.