Private France Silva, a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry between July 21 and August 17, 1900 in Peking, China during the Boxer Rebellion. At the time he was serving with Capt. Newt H. Hall's Marine Detachment, U.S.S. Newark. Silva was 24 years old.
12 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Silva was born on May 8, 1876 in Hayward, Alameda County, California. His Medal of Honor is credited to San Francisco, San Francisco County, California. Silva died on April 10, 1951 in Red Bluff, California, at the age of 74. He is buried at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Corning, California.
Silva 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 action at Peking, China, 28 June to 17 August 1900. Throughout this period, Silva 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
- May 8, 1876Born in Hayward, Alameda County, California
- July 21 - August 17, 1900Act of valor — Peking, ChinaAge 24. Capt. Newt H. Hall's Marine Detachment, U.S.S. Newark
- April 10, 1951Died in Red Bluff, CaliforniaAge 74.
- Resting placeSunset Hill CemeteryCorning, California
Biography
France Silva (May 8, 1876 – April 10, 1951) was the first United States Marine of Mexican-American and Hispanic heritage to receive the Medal of Honor. He received the Medal of Honor for his meritorious conduct in China during the Boxer Rebellion.
From the Wikipedia article “France Silva”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
