While reading about Veterans Day observances, I came across the name of John W. Finn, 100, who is not only the oldest surviving World War II Medal of Honor winner, but also the only MoH winner at Pearl Harbor still alive.
On December 7, 1941, he was stationed at a VP-41 squadron at Kaneohe Bay on Oahu. He manned a 50 caliber machine gun in an open area and for 15 minutes maintained fire on the Japanese planes, shooting one down while being wounded 21 times in his chest and abdomen.
He was ordered to leave his post, was treated in sick, and returned to duty to rearm planes. He later spent 14 days in sick bay.
http://www.homeofheroes.com/united/finn.html
On 9-11, he was only 55 miles from New York City on his way to Boston for a Medal of Honor Reunion when the planes hit.
One of the Greatest Generation
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America's oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, living his 100th year is former enlisted Aviation Chief Ordnanceman (ACOM), later wartime commissioned Lieutenant John W. Finn, USN (Ret.). He is also the last surviving Medal of Honor, "The Day of Infamy", Japanese Attack on the Hawaiian Islands, Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941.
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San Diego, California
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