Ordinary Seaman John Davis, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on February 1, 1881 in Toulon, France — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Trenton. Davis was 26 years old.
Davis was born on July 1, 1854 in Kingston, Jamaica — one of 1 recipient born in Jamaica. Davis died on August 19, 1903 in Hampton, Virginia, at the age of 49. He is buried at Hampton National Cemetery in Hampton, Virginia. His medal is held by Founding Forward, Valley Forge, PA.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Trenton, Toulon, France, February 1881. Jumping overboard, Davis rescued Augustus Ohlensen, coxswain, from drowning.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
Timeline
- July 1, 1854Born in Kingston, Jamaica
- February 1, 1881Act of valor — Toulon, FranceAge 26. U.S.S. Trenton
- August 19, 1903Died in Hampton, VirginiaAge 49.
- Resting placeHampton National CemeteryHampton, Virginia
Biography
John Davis (1854 – August 19, 1903) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
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