Rufus Zenas Johnston

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 in 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(1874-06-07)June 7, 1874
Lincolnton, North Carolina
DiedJuly 4, 1959(1959-07-04) (aged 85)
Newport, Rhode Island[1]
Place of burial
Arlington National Cemetery
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1895 - 1930
Rank Rear Admiral (retired list)
Commands heldUSS Utah (BB-31)[2]
USS Michigan (BB-27)[2]
USS Minneapolis (C-13)[1][2]
Battles/warsBoxer Rebellion
Philippine–American War
United States occupation of Veracruz
World War I
Awards

Medal of Honor citation

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

Johnston 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

References
Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
  1. "Johnson, Rufus Zenas". NCpedia. Retrieved 2022-08-15.
  2. "USS Utah Commanding Officer: Captain Rufus Zenas Johnston". USS Utah - The Forgotten Ship of Pearl Harbor. Retrieved 2022-08-15.
  3. "Medal of Honor recipients". United States Naval Academy. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  4. "Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz)". Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on 2010-07-23. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  5. "Rufus Z. Johnston". United States Naval Academy. Archived from the original on June 11, 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  6. "Rufus Zenas Johnston". Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  7. "Inventory of the Rufus Z. Johnston Papers, 1895-1952". University of North Carolina. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  8. "Johnston, Rufus Zenas". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
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