“Here they’re paying you for doing your duty, and that’s what I did,’’ Mr. Finn said before his 100th birthday. “I never intended to be a hero. But on Dec. 7, by God, we’re in a war.’’
President Obama said “his modesty does not diminish his extraordinary conduct or the incredible example he has set for our men and women in uniform and for all Americans.’’
“I had the privilege of meeting Lieutenant Finn last year, and I was struck by his warmth and humility,’’Obama said. “As we mark Memorial Day, and pay tribute all who have fallen in defense of this nation, the passing of Lieutenant Finn is a reminder of the sacrifices that generations have made to preserve the freedoms we hold dear.’’
Mr. Finn received the Medal of Honor Sept. 15, 1942. He later served as a limited duty officer specializing in antiaircraft guns in San Diego, Hawaii, Washington, Panama, and aboard aircraft carriers, the Navy said.
He retired from the Navy in 1956, but continued to help young sailors, said Navy Lieutenant Aaron Kakiel, who announced Mr. Finn’s death.
“He’s been a real inspiration to a number of our aviation ordnance men and an example for the entire Navy,’’ he said.
Born in Los Angeles, Mr. Finn lived for 50 years on his ranch near Live Oak Springs, outside San Diego. He died at the Veterans Home of California in Chula Vista, the Navy said.
He will be buried with full military honors. Kakiel said the Navy was still working with his family members on the details.
