Robert Earl Bonney

Robert Earl Bonney (November 23, 1882 – November 22, 1967) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Biography

Early life and career Bonney was born in Maryville, Blount County, Tennessee on November 23, 1882.

In 1901, at the age of 18, he joined the Navy in Leavenworth, Kansas. His early career included service in the Philippines during the Philippine Insurrection.

Medal of Honor action By February 14, 1910, he was serving as a chief watertender on the . On that day, the Hopkins experienced a boiler accident. For their actions during the incident, Bonney and another sailor, Watertender Edward Alvin Clary, were awarded the Medal of Honor.

Bonney returned to active duty during World War II and was promoted to lieutenant. He served as an inspector of shipyards in Seattle, Washington. He retired from the Navy for the second time shortly after the war's end in 1945.

Retirement Bonney was an active in Freemasonry, the American Legion and the Fleet Reserve Association.

In 1957 he was invited to attend the second inauguration of President Dwight Eisenhower. In 1958, at Eisenhower's request, he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. He also attended the funeral of President John F. Kennedy at the invitation of the Kennedy family.

He died on November 22, 1967.

Awards Medal of Honor Philippine Campaign Medal Nicaraguan Campaign Medal Mexican Service Medal World War I Victory Medal American Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal