John N. Hennessy

The Navy Cross is presented to John N. Hennessy, Gunner’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on the occasion of the bombing and loss of the U.S.S. Panay on 12 December 1937. Gunner’s Mate Second Class Hennessy was a member of the crew which courageously operated the machine gun battery against the attacking planes even though these guns could not bear forward from which direction most of the attacks were made. He remained at his post of duty until the ammunition was expended and he was ordered to abandon ship. His performance of duty on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.