Lawrence C. Sinnett

He entered the alley under fire, to drive its defenders out.

Lawrence Clinton Sinnett was born at Burnt House, West Virginia, on 4 April 1888. He entered the United States Navy and served as a seaman aboard the battleship USS Florida.

During the American landing at Veracruz, Mexico, on 21 April 1914, the Florida's sailors formed part of the force fighting through the waterfront. Around midday, heavy fire came down an alley between the customhouse and an open warehouse, obstructing the advance.

Ensign George M. Lowry called for volunteers to clear the position. Sinnett was one of five men who responded. Moving into the alley under fire, the party succeeded in dislodging the defenders. Sinnett, Lowry and several of the other volunteers subsequently received the Medal of Honor for their conduct.

Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels presented Sinnett with his decoration on the deck of the Florida at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on 6 January 1915. The award recognised his individual participation in the dangerous approach, rather than merely his presence with the landing force.

Sinnett survived the occupation and lived for many years after his naval service. He died on 11 June 1962 and was buried in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery at Harrisville, West Virginia.