John Grady

Directing exposed artillery at Vera Cruz

John Grady was born in Canada on December 25, 1872. He served in the U.S. Navy and held the rank of lieutenant during the fighting at Vera Cruz, Mexico.

On April 22, 1914, the second day of the engagement, Grady commanded the 2d Regiment, Artillery. From necessarily exposed positions, he directed fire that drove the enemy from its strongest position. His Medal of Honor citation recognizes the conspicuous service he performed while commanding those guns under battlefield conditions.

Grady later reached the rank of captain. He died on December 9, 1956, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. His award, accredited to Massachusetts, preserves recognition of naval artillery leadership during the Vera Cruz operation. The cited official record does not provide a detailed chronology of his early career or subsequent commands.

Official Medal of Honor citation: For distinguished conduct in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914. During the second day's fighting, the service performed by Lt. Grady, in command of the 2d Regiment, Artillery, was eminent and conspicuous. From necessarily exposed positions, he shelled the enemy from the strongest position.