John F. De Swan
John Francis DeSwan (January 13, 1876 – December 1, 1956) was a private serving in the United States Army during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
John Francis De Swan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | January 13, 1876 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | December 1, 1956 (aged 80) |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit | Company H, 21st U.S. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Biography
De Swan was born January 13, 1876 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and joined the army from his birth city in May 1893 (claiming to be 21 because he was underage). He was discharged in December of that year, and re-enlisted in January 1896.[1] He was sent to fight in the Spanish–American War with Company H, 21st U.S. Infantry as a private where he received the Medal of Honor for his actions.[2]
He died December 1, 1956 and is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California.[3] His grave can be found in section R, grave 195-A.[3]
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Private, Company H, 21st U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At Santiago, Cuba, 1 July 1898. Entered service at: Philadelphia, Pa. Birth: Philadelphia, Pa. Date of issue: 22 June 1899
Citation:
Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire from the enemy.[2]
References
- Register of Enlistments in the US Army, 1798-1914
- "War with Spain; De Swan, John F." Medal of Honor recipients, War With Spain. United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
- "John F. De Swan". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. July 13, 2001. Retrieved August 2, 2010.