John D. Edwards

John D. Edwards (2 August 1885 – 9 October 1918) was an officer in the United States Navy during World War I.

Biography

Born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Edwards was appointed Midshipman in the U.S. Navy 31 December 1908. During World War I, Lt. Edwards was assigned to destroyer Shaw in British waters. While escorting troopship HMS Aquitania into Southampton, England, Shaw collided with Aquitania.

Lt. Edwards, one of 12 men who lost their lives, was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

Namesake

The destroyer USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) was named for him.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.