John Alphonsus Murphy

He stood firm under enemy fire during the fighting in Peking

John Alphonsus Murphy was born in New York City on 26 February 1881. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at Washington, D.C., on 5 January 1897. He served as a drummer, a military role still formally recognized in the Marine Corps at the turn of the century.

In 1900, Murphy was serving with Captain Newt H. Hall's Marine detachment from USS Newark during the Boxer Rebellion. At Peking, now Beijing, Allied troops defended the foreign legations and fought to relieve the besieged community. Murphy's Medal of Honor citation recognized his meritorious conduct in the presence of the enemy from 21 July to 17 August 1900. His award commemorates sustained service during those operations.

The Medal of Honor was authorized in General Order 55 on 19 July 1901. His service during the China Relief Expedition also qualified him for its campaign medal. His naval service in 1898 falls within the later expanded eligibility for the Spanish Campaign Medal.

Murphy continued in the Marine Corps and reached the rank of sergeant. The Marine Corps History Division records that he deserted on 9 August 1906.

He died in Portland, Oregon, on 29 November 1935 and was buried at Rose City Cemetery. His official citation remains the record of his recognized conduct at Peking.

Medal of Honor citation

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

Citation source: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/john-a-murphy