John King (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John King
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| Born | 7 February 1865 Ballinrobe, Ireland |
| Died | 20 May 1938 (aged 73) |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1893–1916, fl. 1917-1919 |
| Rank | Chief Watertender |
| Unit | USS Vicksburg (PG-11) USS Salem (CL-3) |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Philippine–American War World War I |
| Awards | Medal of Honor (2) |
John King (February 7, 1865 – May 20, 1938) was a brave sailor from Ireland. He served in the United States Navy and made history. He is one of only 19 people ever to receive the Medal of Honor twice. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for bravery given in the U.S. military.
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John King was born in a small village called Currabee, near Ballinrobe, Ireland. When he was young, he left Ireland and traveled to the United States. On July 20, 1893, he joined the U.S. Navy in Vermont.
He started his Navy career as a "coal passer." This job involved shoveling coal into the furnaces that powered the ship's engines. It was very hard and hot work!
Serving in Wars
John King served on the ship USS Massachusetts during the Spanish–American War. This war took place in the Caribbean Sea.
In 1900, he moved to another ship, the USS Vicksburg. On this ship, he served during the Philippine–American War.
A Hero Twice Over
While on the Vicksburg, John King showed amazing bravery. On May 29, 1901, there was a serious accident with the ship's boilers. Boilers are like giant kettles that create steam to power the ship. For his "extraordinary heroism" during this accident, he received his first Medal of Honor.
Eight years later, on September 13, 1909, John King was serving on the ship USS Salem. He was now a "watertender," a more skilled job dealing with the ship's engines and boilers. Another boiler explosion happened, and once again, John King acted with incredible courage. This earned him his second Medal of Honor!
After receiving his second medal, he was promoted to Chief Watertender on October 1, 1909. He continued to serve at sea until 1916.
World War I and Retirement
When World War I began, Chief King returned to active duty. He served in New York until August 20, 1919.
After his long and brave service, John King retired. He lived until May 20, 1938. He is buried in the Calvary Cemetery in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Remembering John King
A Ship Named in His Honor
In January 1960, the U.S. Navy launched a new destroyer ship. They named it USS John King (DDG-3) to honor him! In December 1961, this ship visited Dublin, Ireland. The ship's commander, Albert M. Sackett, unveiled a special plaque in Ballinrobe, Ireland, where John King was from. Some of John King's living relatives attended this event.
A Statue and Family Stories
On September 4, 2010, a statue of John King was unveiled in Ballinrobe. A government official from Ireland, Tony Killeen, was there. John King's relative, Ann Reid, spoke at the ceremony. She said her father, who was King's nephew, always talked about him. She remembered that when John King visited Ballinrobe from America, he would throw sweets and coins to the children.
Another relative, Michael Burke, also spoke. He shared memories of meeting John King as a young man and running errands for him.
Students from Ballinrobe National School helped celebrate. They brought a float of the USS John King destroyer to the ceremony. Former crew members of the USS John King also participated, and a U.S. Navy Band played music.
John King's Awards
- Medal of Honor (received twice!)
- Sampson Medal
- Spanish Campaign Medal
- Philippine Campaign Medal
- World War I Victory Medal
Learn More
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of Medal of Honor recipients during Peacetime
