Blue Star Chronicles

John Finn is the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient. Today is his 100th birthday. Happy Birthday American Hero! Read about it and a biography below. Also see some photos from then and now and a video.

John Finn
Pearl Harbor Medal of Honor Recipient Turns 100

John Finn turned 100-years-old today. That in itself is an accomplishment to many, however in addition to that, John Finn is a true American hero and someone you should know. A Gold Star Mom met with Finn on his birthday and tells about their meeting.

“We can only mourn those who have fallen in war. We must honor them by taking care of those who come home, especially our wounded.”

Wow. Those are powerful words.

John Finn received his Medal of Honor because of his actions on December 7, 1941, the day that will live in infamy. He held his position for two hours, firing on the enemy, even though he had been his 21 times. His wounds were painful and some serious. He only got medical help when the skies cleared of Japanese aircraft and he was ordered to seek medical care. Following getting treatment, he returned to his position and helped rearm airplanes at Kanoehe Bay.

Medal of Honor citation:

For extraordinary heroism, distinguished service, and devotion above and beyond the call of duty. During the first attack by Japanese airplanes on the Naval Air Station, Kanoehe Bay, on 7 December 1941, Lieutenant Finn promptly secured and manned a 50-caliber machine gun mounted on an instruction stand in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, which was under heavy enemy machine-gun strafing fire. Although painfully wounded many times, he continued to man this gun and to return the enemy’s fire vigorously and with telling effect throughout the enemy strafing and bombing attacks and with complete disregard for his own personal safety. It was only by specific orders that he was persuaded to leave his post to seek medical attention. Following first-aid treatment, although obviously suffering much pain and moving with great difficulty, he returned to the squadron area and actively supervised the rearming of returning planes. His extraordinary heroism and conduct in this action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

I am always in awe of the extraordinary bravery and courage of the ordinary American.

John William Finn was born on July 23, 1909 in Los Angeles, California. He was just 17-years-old when he enlisted in the Navy and had to have his mother sign permission for him to enlist. He enlisted in 1926.

With only a grammar school education, he worked his way up through the enlisted ranks, eventually being promoted to Chief Petty Officer in only nine years. He retired in September 1956 with the rank of Lieutenant. He has said that people thought he was a ‘boy wonder’ because of his ability and rapid promotions through the ranks. Being a modest man, he says he was just in the right place at the right time.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Finn received the Purple Heart; American Defense Service Medal; Navy Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; and the Navy Occupation Service Medal.

Finn was married to Alice Finn who died in 1998. His wife was a nurse who was working in the Naval hospital on Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack. He now lives alone in California.

Lieutenant John Finn, Happy Birthday! This Pearl Harbor Medal of Honor recipient turns 100 today!

John Finn - Photos