William Seach

William Seach
Born (1877-05-23)May 23, 1877
London, England
Died October 24, 1978(1978-10-24) (aged 101)
Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service 1898–1923
Rank Lieutenant
Battles/wars Boxer Rebellion
World War I
Awards Medal of Honor

William Seach (May 23, 1877 – October 24, 1978) was an American sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Boxer Rebellion who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Biography

Seach was born May 23, 1877 in London, England. He entered the United States Navy in 1898 and fought as an Ordinary Seaman in China in the Boxer Rebellion.[1] From 13 to 22 June 1900 Seach distinguished himself several times in combat for which he awarded the Medal of Honor in 1901.

On 16 January 1909 Seach was promoted to the Warrant Officer rank of gunner and on 16 January 1915 he was promoted to chief gunner. On 1 July 1918 he received a temporary promotion to the rank of lieutenant.

World War I

During World War I, Seach served as the gunnery officer on the transport ship USS President Lincoln until she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine SM U-90 on 31 May 1918. Seach was injured during the sinking and was briefly held as a prisoner of war by the Germans before being left adrift to be rescued by the French. Also held on U-90 was Lieutenant Edouard Izac who would escape from captivity and was later awarded the Medal of Honor.

Retirement

Seach retired from the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant in 1923.[2]

Following his retirement, Seach lived in Weymouth, Massachusetts. In 1958 he was a member of the honor guard at the internment of the unknown soldiers of World War II and the Korean War at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

Death and burial

Lieutenant Seach died October 24, 1978 at the age of 101, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia.[3] His grave can be found in section 11, lot 334-2.[3] When he died he was the oldest and longest-living recipient of the Medal of Honor, and the last surviving US veteran of the Boxer Rebellion to receive the medal.[4]

Legacy

Lieutenant Seach's Medal or Honor, along with his other medals and sword, are on display at the United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum onboard the heavy cruiser USS Salem at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts.

William Seach School in Weymouth, Massachusetts is named after him.

Awards

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Place and date: China 13, 20, 21, and 22 June 1900. Entered service at: Massachusetts. Born: 23 May 1877, London, England. G.O. No.: 55, 19 July 1901.

Citation:

In action with the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China during the battles of 13, 20, 21 and 22 June 1900. June 13: Seach and 6 others were cited for their courage in repulsing an attack by 300 Chinese Imperialist soldiers and Boxer militants with a bayonet charge, thus thwarting a planned massive attack on the entire force. June 20: During a day-long battle, Seach ran across an open clearing, gained cover, and cleaned out nests of Chinese snipers. June 21: During a surprise sabre attack by Chinese cavalrymen, Seach was cited for defending gun emplacements. June 22: Seach and others breached the wall of a Chinese fort, fought their way to the enemy's guns, and turned the cannon upon the defenders of the fort. Throughout this period and in the presence of the enemy, Seach distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "SEACH, WILLIAM". Medal of Honor recipients, China Relief Expedition (Boxer Rebellion). United States Army Center of Military History. Retrieved January 31, 2010.
  2. ↑ Service profile
  3. 1 2 "William Seach". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved January 31, 2010.
  4. ↑ "William Seach". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved January 31, 2010.
  • "William Seach: Lieutenant, United States Navy". Burials at Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery Website. September 23, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2010.
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