George McCall Courts

Commander, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Occupation of Veracruz

Commander George McCall Courts (16 February 1888 - 1 August 1932) was a U.S. Navy officer who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Occupation of Veracruz.

George McCall Courts was born on 16 February 1888 in Washington, DC. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1907. He received the Medal of Honor for actions at the United States occupation of Veracruz, 1914.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy

Citation: For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Under fire, Lt. (j.g.) Courts was eminent and conspicuous in the performance of his duties. He had well qualified himself by thorough study during his years of duty in Mexico to deal with the conditions of this engagement, and his services were of great value. He twice volunteered and passed in an open boat through the zone of fire to convey important orders to the Chester, then under a severe fire.

Death and Burial

Commander George McCall Courts died on 1 August 1932 in Newport, RI. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, in Section 7, Lot 9874.