Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Landsman James A. Smith received the Medal of Honor for his actions between June 20 and 22, 1900 near Tientsin, China during the Boxer Rebellion. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Newark. Smith was 19 years old.
27 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Smith was born on September 2, 1880 in New York. Smith died in October 1973, at the age of about 93. He is buried at Mount St. Mary's Cemetery in Flushing, New York.
Smith is one of 59 Medal of Honor recipients from the Boxer Rebellion and one of 678 credited to New York.
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.
Timeline
- September 2, 1880Born in New York
- June 20 - 22, 1900Act of valor — near Tientsin, ChinaAge 19. U.S.S. Newark
- October 1973DiedAge about 93.
- Resting placeMount St. Mary's CemeteryFlushing, New York
