Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Rear Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher received the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 21, 1914 in Vera Cruz, Mexico during the 1914 Veracruz expedition. Fletcher was 58 years old.
40 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Fletcher was born on November 23, 1855 in Marshalltown, Marshall County, Iowa. His Medal of Honor is credited to Iowa. Fletcher died on November 28, 1928, at the age of 73. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His medal is held by Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC.
Fletcher is one of 56 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1914 Veracruz expedition and one of 55 credited to Iowa.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21-22 April 1914. Under fire, Rear Adm. Fletcher was eminent and conspicuous in the performance of his duties; was senior officer present at Vera Cruz, and the landing and the operations of the landing force were carried out under his orders and directions. In connection with these operations, he was at times onshore and under fire.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Frank Friday Fletcher received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War I.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Education: United States Naval Academy, Naval War College
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Timeline
- November 23, 1855Born in Marshalltown, Marshall County, Iowa
- April 21, 1914Act of valor — Vera Cruz, MexicoAge 58.
- November 28, 1928DiedAge 73.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Frank Friday Fletcher (November 23, 1855 – November 28, 1928) was a United States Navy admiral who served in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was awarded the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions as commander of navy forces at the Battle of Veracruz, Mexico. The Fletcher-class destroyer, the most produced class of United States Navy destroyers, was named after him. He was also the uncle of Frank Jack Fletcher, another U.S. Navy admiral who also received the Medal of Honor for actions at Veracruz, and who commanded American naval forces at the battles of Coral Sea, Midway, in the Eastern Solomons, and the Aleutian Campaign during World War II.
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Named in his honor
- USS Fletcher — destroyer
