David John Scannell

He served under fire during the long siege of Peking, China.

David John Scannell received the Medal of Honor for his conduct at Peking, China, between 21 July and 17 August 1900. Serving as a private in the United States Marine Corps during the China Relief Expedition, he was recognized for meritorious conduct in the presence of the enemy throughout that period.

Scannell was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on 30 March 1875. His award was accredited to Boston. The authoritative recipient record does not provide the details of his childhood, enlistment or a specific company assignment.

The official citation recognizes sustained service over several weeks rather than narrating a single rescue or assault. It offers no further description of the acts involved, so individual battlefield deeds cannot be reconstructed from the citation alone.

Scannell survived the expedition and died at Togus, Maine, on 7 May 1923. He is buried in Togus National Cemetery. His Medal of Honor preserves recognition of a Marine whose service was formally commended even though only a short account of it survives.

Medal of Honor citation

In the presence of the enemy during the action at Peking, China, 21 July to 17 August 1900. Throughout this period, Scannell distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.