John Francis DeSwan

First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

First Lieutenant John Francis DeSwan (13 January 1876 - 1 December 1956) was a U.S. Army officer who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Spanish-American War.

John Francis DeSwan was born 13 January 1876 in Philadelphia, PA, and entered the Army from the city of his birth. He was sent to fight in the Spanish-American War with Company H, 21st U.S. Infantry.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company H, 21st U.S. Infantry

Place and date: Santiago, Cuba, 1 July 1898

Citation: Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire from the enemy.

Death and Burial

First Lieutenant John Francis DeSwan died on 1 December 1956. He is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA, in Section R, Grave 195-A.