Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Oiler Frank Elmer Smith received the Medal of Honor for his actions between June 20 and 22, 1900 in China during the Boxer Rebellion. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Newark. Smith was 35 years old.
27 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Chief Water Tender.
Smith was born on August 22, 1864 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. His Medal of Honor is credited to Virginia. Smith died on March 4, 1943 in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 78. He is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Boston, Massachusetts.
Smith is one of 59 Medal of Honor recipients from the Boxer Rebellion and one of 48 credited to Virginia.
Official Medal of Honor 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Boxer Rebellion.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Virginia →
Timeline
- August 22, 1864Born in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts
- June 20 - 22, 1900Act of valor — ChinaAge 35. U.S.S. Newark
- March 4, 1943Died in Boston, MassachusettsAge 78.
- Resting placeMount Hope CemeteryBoston, Massachusetts
Biography
Frank Elmer Smith (August 22, 1864 – March 4, 1943) 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 “Frank Elmer Smith”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
Further reading
- Chinese Relief Expedition: Remembering Frank Smithcmohs.org · 2020
