Axel Westermark

He faced the enemy ashore during intense fighting at Peking.

Axel Westermark was born in Bergo, Finland, on 8 April 1875. He served in the United States Navy aboard USS Newark and held the rank of seaman during the China Relief Expedition of 1900.

During the Boxer Rebellion, American sailors and Marines joined the international forces operating in China. Westermark served ashore in the fighting at Peking, now Beijing. His Medal of Honor citation covers his distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy from 28 June to 17 August 1900. The award was recorded in Navy General Order No. 55 of 19 July 1901.

Westermark continued in naval service and attained the rating of gunner's mate first class. He died at Puget Sound, Washington, on 7 May 1911 and was buried in San Francisco National Cemetery.

Medal of Honor citation

In the presence of the enemy during the battle of Peking, China, 28 June to 17 August 1900. Throughout this period, Westermark distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.