John S. Stokes was a Chief Master-at-Arms in the United States Navy and a Medal of Honor recipient.

He enlisted in the Navy and had risen to the rank of chief master-at-arms when, on March 31, 1899, on board the armored cruiser USS New York he jumped overboard to assist in the rescue of a fellow sailor who was in danger of drowning.

He was appointed to the warrant officer rank of boatswain on January 31, 1907, and retired from the Navy on July 26, 1911.

He spent the last years of his life at the US Navy Treatment Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Showing gallant conduct, Stokes jumped overboard and assisted in the rescue of Peter Mahoney, watertender, U.S. Navy.