Career
Hughes joined the Marine Corps in March 1900, and was commissioned as an officer in December 1901. As the result of a gas attack during the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, he was medically retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in July 1919. Hughes died on May 25, 1942 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
His grave can be found in section 8, lot 5265.
The Navy Cross is presented to John A. Hughes, Lieutenant Colonel, United States. Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service as Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 6th Regiment Marines. In the operations of his battalion at Belleau Woods from the 10th to the 13th of June, 1918, Lieutenant Colonel Hughes showed himself a gallant, courageous and determined commander of mentor
Inflicting severe losses on the enemy, capturing many prisoners, twenty machine guns, six minnenwerfers and other booty. The brilliant success of this battalion was in a great measure due to his coolness in all crises, unfailing good humor and accurate judgment.
Lieutenant Colonel Hughes led his men superbly under most trying conditions against the most distinguished elements of the German Army, administering to those organizations their first defeat.
