Joseph J. Franklin US Diplomatic Passport

Diplomatic Passport of Joseph John Franklin 1918.
During World War I, Joseph J. Franklin was designated Diplomatic Courier of the United States of America by the Secretary of State on October 24, 1917. Franklin served at the U.S. Embassy in London. Before he served as Diplomatic Courier, Franklin was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Spanish-American War.

Joseph John Franklin (June 18, 1870 – April 28, 1940) was a United States Marine who received the Medal of Honor during the Spanish–American War.

Franklin was born on June 18, 1870, in Buffalo, New York. He joined the Marine Corps from Boston in January 1896 and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Cienfuegos. He retired with the rank of Sergeant Major in August 1929.

Franklin died on April 28, 1940, and is buried in Cypress Hills Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York. His grave can be found in the laurel green section, block 1, grave 312.

Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Franklin faced the enemy’s heavy fire and showed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

“The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Joseph John Franklin, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action on board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the enemy’s heavy fire, Private Franklin set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.”

Joseph J. Franklin US Diplomatic Passport