07DEC1941: As Japanese plans attacked in the early morning, Chief Petty Officer John Finn hurried to the airfield where he was responsible for maintaining the weapons of naval aircraft. As the American planes were shot up on the runway, Finn and his men began salvaging machine guns from the burning craft to provide some sort of defense. Finding a rolling platform used for training, CPO Finn attached a .50 caliber machine gun and positioned himself out in the open where he had the best view of enemy aircraft. For the next two hours, CPO Finn fired his weapon, offering resistance as the enemy fighters continued their attack. Only after being wounded 21 times and being ordered to receive medical attention did CPO Finn leave his weapon. Quickly treated, CPO Finn made his way back to the airfield where he helped to rearm the surviving aircraft to get back into the fight. For his brave and selfless acts that day, CPO John Finn would be awarded the first Medal of Honor in WWII.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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