Seaman Axel Westermark was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions between July 21 and August 17, 1900 in Peking, China during the Boxer Rebellion. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Newark. Westermark was 25 years old.
12 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Gunner's Mate First Class.
Westermark was born on April 8, 1875 in Bergo, Finland — one of 6 recipients born in Finland. His Medal of Honor is credited to California. Westermark died on May 7, 1911 in Puget Sound, Washington, at the age of 36. He is buried at San Francisco National Cemetery in San Francisco, California.
Westermark is one of 59 Medal of Honor recipients from the Boxer Rebellion and one of 142 credited to California.
Official Medal of Honor citation
In the presence of the enemy during the battle of Peking, China, 28 June to 17 August 1900. Throughout this period, Westermark distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Boxer Rebellion.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in California →
Timeline
- April 8, 1875Born in Bergo, Finland
- July 21 - August 17, 1900Act of valor — Peking, ChinaAge 25. U.S.S. Newark
- May 7, 1911Died in Puget Sound, WashingtonAge 36.
- Resting placeSan Francisco National CemeterySan Francisco, California
Biography
Axel Westermark (April 8, 1875 – May 7, 1911) was an American sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Boxer Rebellion who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
From the Wikipedia article “Axel Westermark”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
