Harrumph File #018 05.31.2010_Memorial Day, 2010

Chief Finn.

This week we observe Memorial Day and so The Harrumph Files humbly takes a back seat to honor those that, as President Abraham Lincoln so able put it, “gave the last full measure of devotion.”  They have come from all parts of our Republic and all walks of life.  They have been the sons and daughters of Kansas farmers, roughnecks from Texas oil wells, New England fishermen and California lifeguards.  When the time came they answered the call, not for glory, not for medals, not for personal advancement.  They came because it was expected of them.  They came because of their beliefs.  They came for us.  Duty, Honor, Country.  These three words have guided our warriors through history, through the struggles against tyranny, against fascism, to set people free.  Some have “laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom” so that others may live.  There have been so many from so many wars.  American crosses and stars decorate cemeteries worldwide, guardians standing in silent testimony to the spirit of Americans.  Until I cross the river on my final journey I cannot individually thank each of our fallen but I think the following story represents them all.
    John William Finn was born on July 23, 1909 in Los Angeles, California.  He was the son of a plumber.  Not much is publicly known about his early life, it was probably like most of his contemporaries.  He worked odd jobs as a teenager and then dropped out of school and joined the Navy to see the world.  It was a sleepy Sunday morning, 15 years later, in December, 1941 that would change his life, and the lives of millions, forever.  By this time John was a Chief Aviation Ordnanceman stationed at Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay. A leader of men, an example setter.  As he woke he heard the sound of aircraft and then machinegun fire so he quickly dressed and drove to the station.  When Chief Finn arrived at the aircraft hangers he immediately went into action.  He didn’t wait for orders, he didn’t sit by and observe, he acted.  The citation for his Medal of Honor says it best:  He “promptly secured and manned a 50-caliber machine gun mounted on an instruction stand in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, which was under heavy enemy machine-gun 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 United States Naval Service.”  Chief Finn recovered from his wounds, was promoted Lieutenant in 1944 and served until 1956.  He was 100 when he died Thursday, May 27th, 2010, perhaps a date not as well known as the “date which will live in infamy,” but one just as important.  He was the last surviving member of the 15 men awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Some were killed that Sunday morning, some died later during the war, some lived on.  Where do we find such men?  They are here, just as they have been throughout the history of our great Republic.  “Our flag’s unfurled to every breeze, from dawn to setting sun.” And, they will continue to unfurl our flag for we find such men and women in every generation.  When the call is issued they will come.  Duty, Honor, Country.  Rest easy, John William Finn, thanks to you and many others like you the Republic is safe.