John William Heard
John William (or Wilkinson)[1] Heard (March 27, 1860 – February 4, 1922) was a United States Army Brigadier General who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor for valor in action on July 23, 1898 near Bahia Honda, Cuba.
John William Heard | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | March 27, 1860 Senatobia, Mississippi |
| Died | February 4, 1922 (aged 61) New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1883 – 1922 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Hawaiian Department |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Philippine–American War World War I |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Early life and education
Heard was born on Woodstock Plantation, near Senatobia, Mississippi.[2] He was appointed to West Point, graduating with the class of 1883.[3]
During the Spanish–American War
Heard deployed to Cuba as part of the 3rd US Cavalry.[2] He departed Florida with his unit and 40-50 Cuban soldiers, landing near the mouth of the Mani-Mani River near Bahia Hondo, west of Havana. A force of nearly 1,000 Spanish Cavalry charged Heard's vastly outnumbered force as they were unloading supplies on the beach. Heard's command of his men halted the Spanish force's charge and caused them to fall back. Heard successfully regrouped his men and had them reboard their ship, evacuating all of his soldiers and wounded, leaving no one behind.[4] Lieutenant Heard was awarded his Medal of Honor on June 21, 1899 for his actions at the Battle of Mani-Mani.[3]
During World War I
He was promoted to Brigadier general in the National Army on October 1, 1918. He commanded the Hawaiian Department.[2]
Medal of Honor citation
"For extraordinary heroism on 23 July 1898, while serving with 3d U.S. Cavalry, in action at Bahia Honda, Cuba. After two men had been shot down by Spaniards while transmitting orders to the engine-room on the Wanderer, the ship having become disabled, First Lieutenant Heard took the position held by them and personally transmitted the orders, remaining at his post until the ship was out of danger."[3]
Other awards and honors
He was recognized by Hawaii's legislature for his services upon retirement.[2]
Family and personal life
He married Mildred Townsend of New York City on June 3, 1886. Together, they had five sons.[2]
Death and legacy
He died on February 4, 1922.[2]
References
- Find a Grave
- Davis, Jr., Henry Blaine (1998). Generals in Khaki. Raleigh, NC: Pentland Press, Inc. p. 169. ISBN 1571970886.
- "John William Heard". Military Times Hall of Valor. Retrieved 2016-05-21.
- "The End of an Empire". HomeofHeroes.com. Retrieved 2009-04-12.