Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Gunner's Mate Second Class John Purness Chatham 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. Chatham was 27 years old.
27 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Chatham was born on July 2, 1872 in Worcester County, Maryland. His Medal of Honor is credited to Maryland. Chatham died on October 3, 1914 in Salisbury, Maryland, at the age of 42. He is buried at Parsons Cemetery in Salisbury, Maryland.
Chatham is one of 59 Medal of Honor recipients from the Boxer Rebellion and one of 85 credited to Maryland.
Official Medal of Honor citation
In action with the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China, 13, 20, 21, and 22 June 1900. During this period and in the presence of the enemy, Chatham distinguished himself by his conduct.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Boxer Rebellion.
Places
- Buried: Parsons Cemetery — map
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Maryland →
Timeline
- July 2, 1872Born in Worcester County, Maryland
- June 20 - 22, 1900Act of valor — ChinaAge 27. U.S.S. Newark
- October 3, 1914Died in Salisbury, MarylandAge 42.
- Resting placeParsons CemeterySalisbury, Maryland
Biography
John Purnell Chatham (July 2, 1872 – October 3, 1914) was an American sailor serving in the United States Navy during Boxer Rebellion who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
From the Wikipedia article “John Purnell Chatham”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
