Oscar J. Upham

Building protective barricades under intense fire in Peking.

Oscar J. Upham was born in 1871 in Toledo, Ohio. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1896 and served aboard USS Oregon at the Battle of Santiago on 3 July 1898. He later served as a private in the Marine Guard aboard USS Oregon during the China Relief Expedition.

Between 21 July and 17 August 1900 at Peking, China, Upham helped erect barricades while under heavy enemy fire. He received the Medal of Honor for his conduct during this period.

After his honorable discharge in November 1901, Upham returned to Guthrie, Oklahoma, and worked as a mail carrier for many years. Upham died in February 1949 in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and is buried in Summit View Cemetery there. His citation recognizes defensive work carried out despite the danger of enemy fire.

Medal of Honor citation

In the presence of the enemy at Peking, China, 21 July to 17 August 1900. Although under a heavy fire from the enemy during this period, Upham assisted in the erection of barricades.