James Richard Ward

1921 – 1941

Life Keepsakes Service Medal of Honor Decorations Shadow Box Laid to Rest In Our Keeping

James Richard Ward served the U.S. Navy for 1 year. James served in World War II. James was 20 years old.

Keepsakes

Headstone Front of James Richard Ward. Arlington National Cemetery.

Headstone Back of James Richard Ward. Arlington National Cemetery.

Service Record

U.S. Navy

1945 – 1946

Conflicts

World War II

Medal of Honor

7 December 1941 · Seaman First Class, U.S. Navy.

For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. When it was seen that the U.S.S. Oklahoma was going to capsize and the order was given to abandon ship, Ward remained in a turret holding a flashlight so the remainder of the turret crew could see to escape, thereby sacrificing his own life.

Awards & Decorations 1

For valor

Medal of Honor - Navy December 7, 1941 · Seaman First Class, U.S. Navy.

Burial Information

Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery

Section 81

Grave 1560

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krcpfspzn5928r28es1h9anz

Record added August 7, 2026 neuraweb.nw

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Last updated September 19, 2026

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Shadow Box

James Richard Ward

U.S. Navy

1945 - 1946

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