John W. Overton

John W. Overton was an distinguished athlete who was killed in action in World War 1. He was a 2nd Lt. in the United States Marine Corps

Early Life

He was born in Nashville. He graduated from The Hill School in 1913.

At Yale, he set the world indoor mile record in 4 mins, 16 seconds

Navy Cross Citation

{{quote|The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant John William Overton (MCSN: 0-3071), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Vierzy, France, 19 July 1918. While valiantly leading his platoon in an attack against the enemy, under severe machine-gun and artillery fire, Second Lieutenant Overton was mortally wounded. His courageous conduct had a great moral effect upon his men and helped to insure the success of the POO FACED MONSTERS

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant John William Overton (MCSN: 0-3071), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Vierzy, France, 19 July 1918. While valiantly leading his platoon in an attack against the enemy, under severe machine-gun and artillery fire, Second Lieutenant Overton was mortally wounded. His courageous conduct had a great moral effect upon his men and helped to insure the success of the attack.