Abraham DeSomer

Medal of Honor Recipient for Extraordinary Heroism at Veracruz

From an enlisted sailor to a commissioned naval officer, Abraham DeSomer built a remarkable United States Navy career spanning more than three decades. Yet it was his extraordinary courage during the American landing at Veracruz, Mexico, in April 1914 that secured his place in American military history and earned him the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration.

Born on 29 December 1884 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, DeSomer enlisted in the United States Navy in the early 1900s. His early assignments included the gunboat USS Yorktown and the monitor USS Monadnock, which served on the Asiatic Station. During these formative years, he developed his professional expertise as a Gunner's Mate. From 1907 to 1911, he served aboard the battleship USS Nebraska and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in 1910.

In 1911, DeSomer reported aboard the battleship USS Utah. Serving as Chief Turret Captain, he distinguished himself during the American intervention at Veracruz, Mexico, on 21 and 22 April 1914. His extraordinary heroism during the seizure of the city earned him the Medal of Honor. The official citation recognized his exceptional conduct in the line of his profession while serving aboard USS Utah during the operation. A memorandum dated 13 June 1914, signed by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, formally recorded the award.

DeSomer continued his naval career after Veracruz, receiving appointment as a warrant officer Gunner in February 1915. During the First World War, he served aboard the transport USS Hancock, the armored cruiser USS Montana, and the battleship USS Minnesota. Temporarily commissioned as an Ensign in August 1917, he advanced to Lieutenant in September 1918. His wartime and subsequent naval service were reflected in his World War I Victory Medal, while his Veracruz service also qualified him for the Mexican Service Medal. His long enlisted career was additionally recognized by the Navy Good Conduct Medal.

Following the First World War, DeSomer undertook training duties at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. He became a permanent Lieutenant in August 1920 and subsequently served aboard the battleship USS California. Later assignments included further training duty at Great Lakes, the destroyer tender USS Dobbin, and the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. In November 1930, he transferred to Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

After more than thirty years of naval service as both an enlisted sailor and commissioned officer, DeSomer retired in January 1932. As international tensions intensified in 1940, he returned to active duty during the expansion of America's national defences. In February 1942, he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander on the retired list and remained on active service throughout the Second World War. His later service was recognized through the American Defense Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

On 2 June 1962, DeSomer attended the White House ceremony commemorating the centenary of the Medal of Honor, where he shook hands with President John F. Kennedy. It was a memorable recognition of a sailor whose courage at Veracruz had become part of the Navy's distinguished history.

Abraham DeSomer died on 31 August 1974. He is memorialized at San Francisco National Cemetery in California. His journey from an enlisted Gunner's Mate to Lieutenant Commander, together with his extraordinary heroism aboard USS Utah, remains a lasting testament to courage, professional excellence, and a lifetime of service in the United States Navy.