CHULA VISTA, Calif., May 27 (UPI) -- John William Finn, a retired Navy lieutenant who was the United States' oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, has died in California. He was 100.
President Barack Obama said in a statement issued by the White House he and first lady Michelle Obama offered their thoughts and prayers to Finn's family.
Finn received the nation's highest honor for heroism for his actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that drew the United States into World War II.
"Under a torrent of gunfire, Lt. Finn defended his fellow sailors, holding his position for 2 hours until the skies went quiet, despite suffering serious wounds," Obama's statement said. "Like many of those who have served our nation with such distinction, Lt. Finn often said that he never intended to be a hero. Instead, he felt that he was simply doing his duty.
"But his modesty does not diminish his extraordinary conduct -- or the incredible example he has set for our men and women in uniform and for all Americans."
Obama said he met Finn last year and was "struck by his warmth and humility."
"As we mark Memorial Day, and pay tribute all who have fallen in defense of this nation, the passing of Lt. Finn is a reminder of the sacrifices that generations have made to preserve the freedoms we hold dear," the president said.
A California Department of Veterans Affairs official said Finn, who was the last survivor among 15 Navy men who received the Medal of Honor for heroism at Pearl Harbor, died Thursday at a nursing home in Chula Vista, Calif., The New York Times reported.
Finn's survivors include a son, Joseph. His wife died in 1998.
