James A. Smith (Medal of Honor)

James Aloysius Smith (September 2, 1880 – November 9, 1944) was an American sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Boxer Rebellion who received the Medal of Honor for bravery. He was later a decorated member of the New York City Fire Department, and an early member of Rescue 1.[1]

James Aloysius Smith
Born(1880-09-02)September 2, 1880
New York
DiedNovember 9, 1944(1944-11-09) (aged 64)
New York
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branchUnited States Navy
RankLandsman
Battles/warsBoxer Rebellion
AwardsMedal of Honor

Early life

Smith was born September 2, 1880 in New York, and after entering the navy he was sent as a landsman to China to fight in the Boxer Rebellion.[2]

Later life

After serving in the navy, Smith became a fireman with Rescue 1 of the New York City Fire Department and earned a commendation for his participation in the fire and rescue efforts aboard the USS 0-5 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard on October 6, 1918.[1]

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 2 September 1880, New York. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 55, 19 July 1901.

Citation:

In action with the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China during the battles of 13, 20, 21, and 22 June 1900. Throughout this period and in the presence of the enemy, Smith distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.[2]

See also

References

  1. Hashagen, Paul (1995). A Distant Fire. Dover, New Hampshire: dmc associates. pp. 233, 234. ISBN 1-879848-08-2.
  2. "SMITH, JAMES". Medal of Honor recipients, China Relief Expedition (Boxer Rebellion). United States Army Center of Military History. Retrieved February 1, 2010.
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