Samuel McAllister

He crossed the river under intense fire at Tientsin in 1900.

Samuel McAllister earned the Medal of Honor at Tientsin, China, on June 20, 1900. An ordinary seaman associated with USS Newark, he crossed the river in a small boat under heavy enemy fire and helped destroy buildings occupied by opposing forces.

Born in Belfast, Ireland, on January 23, 1869, McAllister served in the United States Navy during the China Relief Expedition against the Boxer Rebellion. He was accredited to California for the award.

McAllister died on active duty aboard USS Wisconsin in the Pacific on December 13, 1903. He was buried at sea between Japan and Hawaii. His medal is held at the Washington Navy Yard.

Medal of Honor citation

In action against the enemy at Tientsin, China, 20 June 1900. Crossing the river in a small boat while under heavy enemy fire, McAllister assisted in destroying buildings occupied by the enemy.