Charles Luers Nordsiek

Charles Luers Nordsiek was an enlisted sailor aboard USS Florida during the U.S. occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, in April 1914. Then an ordinary seaman, he served in a small Navy signal squad assigned to keep communication open between American forces ashore and USS Prairie offshore. His Medal of Honor recognized his work under fire during the seizure of the city.

### Maintaining signals under fire

On April 21, Nordsiek and three other signalmen took up a position on the roof of the Terminal Hotel. They remained there from late morning until sunset and returned at daylight the next day, relaying messages to the fleet. Their exposed position came under sustained fire: a nearby Marine was killed, an electrician was seriously wounded, and Nordsiek himself was wounded. Despite this, the team kept its communications link functioning. The Navy cited their work as essential to coordinating the operation.

Born in New York City in 1896, Nordsiek later made a career in the Navy and attained the rank of lieutenant. Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels presented his Medal of Honor aboard USS Florida at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in January 1915. Nordsiek died in 1937 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

### Medal of Honor citation

“On board the U.S.S. Florida, Nordsiek showed extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the seizure of Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21–22 April 1914.”

### Sources

- Congressional Medal of Honor Society, “Charles Luers Nordsiek,” recipient record, citation and archival account. - U.S. Navy General Order No. 101, 15 June 1914, detailing the signal squad’s work at Veracruz. - U.S. Navy, Medal of Honor recipient records, Charles Luers Nordsiek entry. - Military Times, “Charles Nordsiek,” Hall of Valor recipient record.