List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Boxer Rebellion facts for kids

The Boxer Movement, also known as the Boxer Rebellion, was a big uprising in China that happened between 1899 and 1901. It was a time when many Chinese people were upset about too much foreign influence in their country. This included things like trade, politics, new technologies, and even religion. China was ruled by the Qing dynasty at this time.

The people leading this movement were part of a group called the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists. Westerners called them "Boxers" because they practiced Chinese martial arts and exercises that looked like boxing. The movement started with farmers who were against foreign powers and their influence. They attacked foreigners who were building railroads, which they felt went against their traditional beliefs like Feng shui. They also targeted Christians, who they believed were part of the foreign control over China.

In June 1900, the Boxers entered Beijing, the capital city, and killed about 230 non-Chinese people. The Chinese military leader, Ronglu, managed to push the Boxers out of the city. The Chinese government then told foreign diplomats and their staff to leave for Tianjin, but they refused and stayed in the special area for foreign offices in Beijing.

After some fighting, including the Battle of Taku Forts (1900) and the Seymour Expedition, the Chinese government, led by Empress Dowager Cixi, ordered her troops to surround the foreign diplomats, civilians, soldiers, and some Chinese Christians in the foreign area. This "siege" lasted for 55 days. Finally, a large group of soldiers from many different countries came to rescue them in what was called the Gaselee Expedition.

Because of these events, the Chinese government had to pay money to the victims and agree to many more demands from foreign countries. The changes that happened after this crisis eventually led to the end of the Qing dynasty and the start of the modern Chinese Republic.

The Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest award a soldier, sailor, or Marine can get in the United States. It was first created during the American Civil War. This special medal is given to members of the U.S. armed forces who show extreme bravery and courage. They must have risked their own lives in a way that goes far beyond what is expected, especially when fighting against an enemy. Because of how dangerous these actions often are, the medal is sometimes given to people after they have died. This is called being awarded "posthumously".

During the Boxer Rebellion, 59 American service members received the Medal of Honor for their brave actions. Four of these medals went to soldiers from the Army. Twenty-two medals were given to sailors from the Navy. The largest group, thirty-three medals, went to Marines. Harry Fisher was the first Marine to receive this medal after he had died, and he was the only person to receive it posthumously during this conflict.

Images for kids

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  Captain Andre W. Brewster, U.S. Army.

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  Private Daniel J. Daly, U.S. Marine Corps.

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  Sergeant Alexander J. Foley, U.S. Marine Corps.

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  Private Charles R. Francis, U.S. Marine Corps.

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  Private William C. Horton, U.S. Marine Corps.

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  First Lieutenant Louis B. Lawton, U.S. Army.

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  Seaman George Rose, U.S. Navy.

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  Ordinary Seaman William Seach, U.S. Navy.

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  Hospital Apprentice Robert H. Stanley, U.S. Navy.

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  Musician Calvin P. Titus, U.S. Army.

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  Private Oscar J. Upham, U.S. Marine Corps.