Herbert Irving Preston

Serving through the fighting, he faced fierce fire at Peking

Herbert Irving Preston served in the United States Marine Corps during the international intervention in China in 1900. He was born in Berkeley Township, New Jersey, and enlisted at Philadelphia on 29 June 1899. After an initial assignment at League Island, he served with the Marine detachment of the battleship USS Oregon.

During the Boxer uprising, foreign legations and their defenders in Peking were besieged. Preston's Medal of Honor recognised his meritorious conduct in fighting in the city between 21 July and 17 August 1900. His award belonged to the group of Marine decorations arising from the defence and relief operations. He received the Medal of Honor in 1901.

His military career did not continue without difficulty. Marine Corps records state that he deserted at Bremerton on 7 November 1901. In subsequent civilian life he settled in Connecticut. He married Edith L. Pennoyer at Westport in April 1906, and they had two sons. He worked as a ship carpenter for the Lake Torpedo Boat Company in Bridgeport, returning to maritime employment after his service at sea.

On 8 December 1928, Preston was in a small boat in Norwalk harbour with Alton Reynolds and Reynolds's teenage son when rough conditions overturned it. Both adults died; the boy was rescued. Preston's body was recovered several days later and buried in Norwalk Cemetery, although the precise location of his grave was subsequently lost. A memorial inscription also commemorates him at his wife's grave in Riverside Cemetery.

Official 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, Preston distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.