
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, Kaneohe Bay, on 7 December 1941, Lt. Finn promptly secured and manned a .50-caliber machinegun mounted on an instruction stand in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, which was under heavy enemy machinegun 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 U.S. Naval Service.
Place of Birth | CA See More > |
Birth Date | Jul 24, 1909 |
Service Branch | U.S. Navy See More > |
Division | Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay |
Conflict | World War II See More > |
Date Of Action | Dec 07, 1941 |
Location and Details | Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Territory of Hawaii |
Accredited To | CA See More > |