Louis Bowem Lawton

Louis Bowen Lawton was a United States Army officer who served with distinction during the Boxer Rebellion at the turn of the 20th century. An 1893 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he was commissioned into the infantry and went on to serve in overseas campaigns.

During the Battle of Tientsin in China on July 13, 1900, Lawton was serving as a 1st Lieutenant. Under heavy enemy fire, he exhibited exceptional gallantry while carrying message dispatches, during which he was wounded. For his heroic actions in this engagement, he was officially awarded the Medal of Honor on March 11, 1902.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Lawton's service was recognized with two Silver Star decorations. He eventually achieved the rank of Major in the U.S. Army before concluding his military career.