Alexander J. Foley

He showed gallantry under enemy fire near Tientsin in China.

Alexander Joseph Foley was born on 19 February 1866 in Heckersville, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Philadelphia on 29 October 1888 and went on to serve for more than two decades, attaining the rank of first sergeant.

His overseas service included Cuba during the Spanish-American War and the Philippines.

During the Boxer Rebellion, Foley served as a sergeant in the China Relief Expedition. He served with the 1st Marine Regiment. His award recognized his conduct in the fighting near Tientsin, now Tianjin, China, on 13 July 1900.

The Medal of Honor was awarded under General Order No. 55, dated 19 July 1901, and credited to Pennsylvania. The complete official citation, as published by the U.S. Army, reads:

“In the presence of the enemy in the battle near Tientsin, China, 13 July 1900, Foley distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.”

Foley continued his Marine Corps career after the China campaign. He died of a heart attack while still in service on 14 January 1910, aged 43. He was buried at Culebra Naval Station Cemetery on Culebra, Puerto Rico.