Rufus Zenas Johnston (June 7, 1874 – July 4, 1959) was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1895.[3] He received the Medal of Honor for actions at the United States occupation of Veracruz in 1914.[4][5] He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.[6] Johnston is also a recipient of the Navy Cross and served in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, Boxer Rebellion, Philippine–American War and World War I.[7]
Rufus Zenas Johnston | |
|---|---|
 Johnston as a U.S. Naval Academy midshipman | |
| Born | June 7, 1874 Lincolnton, North Carolina, US |
| Died | July 4, 1959 (aged 85) Newport, Rhode Island, US[1] |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1895 - 1930 |
| Rank | Rear Admiral (retired list) |
| Commands | USS Utah (BB-31)[2] USS Michigan (BB-27)[2] USS Minneapolis (C-13)[1][2] |
| Battles / wars | Boxer Rebellion Philippine–American War United States occupation of Veracruz World War I |
| Awards | |
Medal of Honor citation
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Rank and organization: Lieutenant Commander Organization: U.S. Navy Born: 7 June 1874, Lincolnton, N.C. Accredited to: North Carolina Date of Issue: 12/04/1915
Johnston was awarded the Medal of Honor citation
For distinguished conduct in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914; was regimental adjutant, and eminent and conspicuous in his conduct. He exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the 22d and in the final occupation of the city.[8]
Family
editJohnston was the son of Robert Zenas, who was a Presbyterian minister, and Catherine Caldwell Johnston.[1]
Johnston married Emma Pegram in 1903. The couple had three children: Rufus Zenas, Jr., Elizabeth, and Catherine.[1]
See also
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References
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This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ^ a b c d "Johnson, Rufus Zenas". NCpedia. Retrieved 2022-08-15.
- ^ a b c "USS Utah Commanding Officer: Captain Rufus Zenas Johnston". USS Utah - The Forgotten Ship of Pearl Harbor. Retrieved 2022-08-15.
- ^ "Medal of Honor recipients". United States Naval Academy. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
- ^ "Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz)". Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on 2010-07-23. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
- ^ "Rufus Z. Johnston". United States Naval Academy. Archived from the original on June 11, 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
- ^ "Rufus Zenas Johnston". Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
- ^ "Inventory of the Rufus Z. Johnston Papers, 1895-1952". University of North Carolina. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
- ^ "Johnston, Rufus Zenas". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 2009-03-15.