SMn Ora Graves, Medal of Honor

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman Ora Graves, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 23 July 1917, while the U.S.S. Pittsburgh was proceeding to Buenos Aires, Argentina. A three-inch saluting charge exploded, causing the death of C. T. Lyles, Seaman. Upon the explosion, Seaman Graves was blown to the deck, but soon recovered and discovered burning waste on the deck. He put out the burning waste while the casemate was filled with clouds of smoke, knowing that there was more powder there which might explode.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 366 (1918)

Action Date: 23-Jul-17

Service: Navy

Rank: Seaman

Division: U.S.S. Pittsburgh