Finrow, John Henry, LT

John Finrow enlisted in the Navy on March 13, 1941 and was first stationed at the Naval Reserve Aviation Base in Seattle, WA. At that time he was a S2c. He was then sent to NAS Jacksonville, FL for flight training after which he received his aviator wings and was commissioned as an Ensign.

LT Finrow was a member of Bombing Squadron 13 (VB-13) stationed aboard the USS Franklin (CV-13). On October 25, 1944 his plane was shot down during combat. His body was not recovered. He was listed as missing in action and later declared dead.

Service numbers: Enlisted - 5100558   Officer - 112310

Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Battalion: Bombing Squadron 13 (VB-13)
Division: U.S.S. Franklin (CV-13)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant John Henry Finrow (NSN: 0-112310), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron THIRTEEN (VB-13), attached to the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Sibuyan Sea during the Air Battle of Leyte Gulf on 24 October 1944. Lieutenant Finrow fought his plane boldly and with relentless determination despite accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire during a brilliantly executed attack on the Japanese battleship MUSASHI, making a direct hit which caused serious damage. By his superb flying ability, indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage, maintained at great personal risk, Lieutenant Finrow contributed immeasurably to the extensive and costly damage inflicted on the Japanese fleet in this vital war area. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.