Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Chief Machinist Carl Emil Petersen received the Medal of Honor for his actions between June 28 and August 17, 1900 in Peking, China during the Boxer Rebellion. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Newark. Petersen was 24 years old.
Petersen was born on August 24, 1875 in Hamburg, Germany — one of 130 recipients born in Germany. His Medal of Honor is credited to New Jersey. Petersen died on November 17, 1971 in Edison, New Jersey, at the age of 96. He is buried at Cloverleaf Park Cemetery in Woodbridge, New Jersey. His medal is held by Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Mt. Pleasant, SC.
Petersen is one of 59 Medal of Honor recipients from the Boxer Rebellion and one of 93 credited to New Jersey.
Official Medal of Honor citation
In the presence of the enemy during the action at Peking, China, 28 June to 17 August 1900. During this period Chief Machinist Petersen distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Boxer Rebellion.
Places
- Born: Hamburg — map
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in New Jersey →
Timeline
- August 24, 1875Born in Hamburg, Germany
- June 28 - August 17, 1900Act of valor — Peking, ChinaAge 24. U.S.S. Newark
- November 17, 1971Died in Edison, New JerseyAge 96.
- Resting placeCloverleaf Park CemeteryWoodbridge, New Jersey
Biography
Carl Emil Petersen (August 24, 1875 – November 17, 1971) 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 “Carl Emil Petersen”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
