Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
World War I - U.S. Navy
Ora Graves
Details
- Rank: Seaman
- Conflict/Era: World War I
- Unit/Command:
U.S.S. Pittsburgh - Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
- Medal of Honor Action Date: July 23, 1917
- Medal of Honor Action Place: at Sea aboard the U.S.S. Pittsburgh
Citation
For extraordinary heroism on 23 July 1917, while the U.S.S. Pittsburgh was proceeding to Buenos Aires, Argentina. A 3-inch saluting charge exploded, causing the death of C.T. Lyles, seaman. Upon the explosion, Graves was blown to the deck, but soon recovered and discovered burning waste on the deck. He put out the burning waste while the casemate was filled with clouds of smoke, knowing that there was more powder there which might explode.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Nebraska
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Presentation Date & Details: July 27, 1918
On board the U.S.S. Pittsburgh presented by Capt. G.B. Bradshaw - Born: July 26, 1896, Las Animas, Bent County, CO, United States
- Died: September 28, 1961, El Cajon, CA, United States
- Buried: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (MH) (W-1208), San Diego, CA, United States