James Patrick Lannon (October 12, 1878 – March 13, 1953) was born in Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1902.[1]

He received the Medal of Honor for actions at the United States occupation of Veracruz, 1914.[2][3] He was awarded the Navy Cross for service as commanding officer of USS Nashville (PG-7) in the Mediterranean Sea during World War I, served in World War II, and retired in 1947.[4]

Biography

In 1916, Lannon attended the Naval War College along with Philip Andrews, Frank D. Berrien, Henry F. Bryan, George F. Cooper, Louis R. de Steiguer, Ben H. Fuller, Templin M. Potts and David F. Sellers.[5] He commanded the gunboat Nashville from October 1917 to October 1918.[6]

After World War I, Lannon commanded the gunboat Helena from May 1923 to September 1924.[7] He was promoted to captain on May 24, 1925.[8] Lannon subsequently commanded the light cruiser Concord from August 1928 to June 1930.[9]

Lannon retired from active duty as a captain on June 30, 1937.[8] During World War II, he was recalled to active duty and promoted to rear admiral on February 23, 1942.[10]

Lannon died on March 13, 1953 at the Bethesda Naval Hospital.[11] He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.[4]

Medal of Honor citation

Grave at Arlington National Cemetery

Lieutenant Lannon was awarded the Medal of Honor on December 4, 1915.[12]

Citation:

For extraordinary heroism in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914. Lt. Lannon assisted a wounded man under heavy fire, and after returning to his battalion was himself desperately wounded.[13]

He was later also awarded the Purple Heart.[11]

Navy Cross citation

Commander Lannon was awarded the Navy Cross on October 23, 1919.[14]

Citation:

For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in the line of his profession as commanding officer of the Nashville, engaged in the important, exacting, and hazardous duty of escorting troops and supplies through waters infested with enemy submarines and mines.[14]

See also

References

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
  1. ^ "Medal of Honor recipients". United States Naval Academy. Archived from the original on 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  2. ^ "Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz)". United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on 2010-07-23. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  3. ^ "James P. Lannon". United States Naval Academy. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  4. ^ a b "James Patrick Lannon". Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  5. ^ Register of Officers 1884–1977. The United States Naval War College. 1977. p. 22. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
  6. ^ "Nashville (Gunboat No. 7)". NavSource Naval History. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
  7. ^ "Helena (PG 9)". NavSource Naval History. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
  8. ^ a b Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office. July 1, 1941. p. 454. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
  9. ^ "USS Concord (CL 10)". NavSource Naval History. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
  10. ^ Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office. July 1, 1945. p. 516. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
  11. ^ a b "Admiral Lannon Death Reported". Coronado Journal. April 16, 1953. p. 14. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
  12. ^ Record of Medals of Honor Issued to the Officers and Enlisted Men of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, 1862–1923. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. September 1, 1924. p. 65. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
  13. ^ "Lannon, James Patrick". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  14. ^ a b Awarding of Medals in the Naval Service: Hearing Before a Subcommittee on Naval Affairs, United States Senate, Sixty-sixth Congress, Second Session. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. January 16, 1920. pp. 145, 147. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
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