James A. Smith (Medal of Honor)
James Aloysius Smith (September 2, 1880 – November 9, 1944) was an American sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Boxer Rebellion who received the Medal of Honor for bravery. He was later a decorated member of the New York City Fire Department, and an early member of Rescue 1.[1]
James Aloysius Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 2, 1880 New York |
| Died | November 9, 1944 New York |
| Allegiance |  |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Rank | Landsman |
| Battles/wars | Boxer Rebellion |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Spouse(s) | Catherine Carlow |
| Children | Russell Smith (son) George Smith (son) Evelyn Smith (daughter) Irene Flynn (daughter) Kathleen Scull (daughter) James Smith, Jr. (son) Anne Daniels (daughter) Robert Smith (son) (son) Jeanne Smith (daughter) |
Early life
Smith was born September 2, 1880 in New York, and after entering the navy he was sent as a landsman to China to fight in the Boxer Rebellion.[2]
Later life
After serving in the navy, Smith became a fireman with Rescue 1 of the New York City Fire Department and earned a commendation for his participation in the fire and rescue efforts aboard the USS 0-5 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard on October 6, 1918.[1]
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 2 September 1880, New York. Accredited to: New York. 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. Throughout this period and in the presence of the enemy, Smith distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.[2]
References
- Hashagen, Paul (1995). A Distant Fire. Dover, New Hampshire: dmc associates. pp. 233, 234. ISBN 1-879848-08-2.
- "SMITH, JAMES". Medal of Honor recipients, China Relief Expedition (Boxer Rebellion). United States Army Center of Military History. Retrieved February 1, 2010.
- "James A. Smith". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved August 28, 2011.