PEOPLE--UNITED STATES

Colonel John A. Hughes, USMC, (Retired), (1880-1942)

John Arthur Hughes was born on 2 November 1880 in New York City, New York. He enlisted from the same state in the U.S. Marine Corps in November 1900 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in December 1901. In April 1902, after instruction at the Marine Barracks at Boston, Massachusetts, Hughes was ordered to the Marine Barracks at Cavite, Philippines. While at this post, he was promoted to First Lieutenant in March 1903. In December 1904, he returned to the Marine Barracks at Boston. Reporting overseas in September 1906, he served with the First Provisional Marines at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

In May 1908, Hughes was promoted to Captain. In December, he was assigned to Camp Elliott, Panama Canal Zone, Panama. Returning to the U.S. in January 1913, he reported as the Acting Assistant Quartermaster at the Marine Barracks at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. While on temporary duty with the Second Advance Base Regiment, then operating out of the Marine Barracks at Pensacola, Florida, he participated in the intervention at Vera Cruz, Mexico. On 21-22 April 1914, he skillfully and courageously led his men to ensure the capture of the city. For his "distinguished conduct in battle" on this occasion, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. In May 1916, he commanded the Marine Detachment on board USS Delaware and was promoted to Major in August.

During the Dominican Campaign in 1916, Hughes commanded the Marine Barracks at San Francisco de Macoris. In December, he was wounded and returned to the U.S. for treatment at the Naval Hospital, Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In WWI, he served with the Sixth Marine Regiment in France and received the Croix de Guerre with Palm and the Navy Cross. While in France, Hughes was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in July 1918. Returning to the U.S., he served with the Marine Barracks at the Third Naval District. In July 1919, he was placed on the retired list. While on the retired list, he was promoted to Colonel in January 1936. John A. Hughes died on 25 May 1942 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

This page features all the images we have concerning John A. Hughes.

Photo #: NH 104927 U.S. Navy Medal of Honor Reverse of Medal of Honor awarded to Captain John A. Hughes, USN, for "distinguished conduct in battle" during the intervention at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21-22 April 1914. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph Online Image: 53KB; 580 x 765 pixels

For higher resolution images see: Obtaining Photographic Reproductions

To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.