William Francis Hamberger

Four dates in June 1900 define William Francis Hamberger's place in United States Navy history. Serving as a Chief Carpenter's Mate with the USS Newark detachment, he distinguished himself during the Allied relief expedition in China on 13, 20, 21 and 22 June, earning the Medal of Honor under General Order No. 55, 19 July 1901.

His official citation reads: "Fighting with the relief expedition of the Allied forces on 13, 20, 21, and 22 June 1900, Hamberger distinguished himself by meritorious conduct."

The Naval History and Heritage Command identifies USS Newark as eligible for the China Relief Expedition Medal. Later Navy Registers document Hamberger as a Lieutenant at Naval Station Pearl Harbor in 1921 and as a Lieutenant Commander by 1932.

Born on 5 August 1870 in Newark, New Jersey, he died on 1 September 1937. His record preserves an extraordinary act of service during the Boxer Rebellion and a naval career that continued well beyond the China expedition.