b. 12/06/1871 New York. d. 14/02/1923 Washington DC.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 31/03/1899 off coast of Jamaica.
John S Stokes MOH
He was born in New York on June 12, 1871. He enlisted in the Navy and had risen to the rank of chief master-at-arms when, on March 31, 1899, on board the armored cruiser USS New York he jumped overboard to assist in the rescue of a fellow sailor who was in danger of drowning. For this action he was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 29, 1899.
He was appointed to the warrant officer rank of boatswain on January 31, 1907, and retired from the Navy on July 26, 1911. He spent the last years of his life at the US Navy Treatment Hospital in Washington, D.C.
MOH CITATION:
On board the U.S.S. New York off the coast of Jamaica, 31 March 1899. Showing gallant conduct, Stokes jumped overboard and assisted in the rescue of Peter Mahoney, watertender, U.S. Navy.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 17, GRAVE 20184.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
