Boatswain's Mate First Class William Edward Holyoke, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry between June 20 and 22, 1900 in China during the Boxer Rebellion. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Newark. Holyoke was 32 years old.
27 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Holyoke was born on March 13, 1868 in Groveton, Coos County, New Hampshire. His Medal of Honor is credited to Illinois. Holyoke died on April 3, 1934, at the age of 66. He is buried at Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading, Pennsylvania. His medal is held by Musee National de la Legion d'Honneur, Paris, France.
Holyoke is one of 59 Medal of Honor recipients from the Boxer Rebellion and one of 210 credited to Illinois.
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, Holyoke 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 Illinois →
Timeline
- March 13, 1868Born in Groveton, Coos County, New Hampshire
- June 20 - 22, 1900Act of valor — ChinaAge 32. U.S.S. Newark
- April 3, 1934DiedAge 66.
- Resting placeCharles Evans CemeteryReading, Pennsylvania
Biography
William Edward Holyoke (March 13, 1868 – April 3, 1934) 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 “William E. Holyoke”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
