Evolution of the Medal of Honor: The Boxer Rebellion

The Medal of Honor, established in 1862, has undergone significant changes over the decades. Particularly prior to World War I, the valorous acts that merited this recognition often lacked detailed documentation. Frequently, the testimony of witnesses was crucial for substantiating these heroic deeds. A pivotal example of this is the Medal of Honor awards stemming from the Boxer Rebellion.

Historical Context

On October 18, 1899, the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, colloquially known as the Boxers, initiated a violent uprising aimed at expelling foreign influences and imperialist presence from China. This movement targeted not only imperial powers but also merchants, missionaries, and western-educated Chinese individuals.

As Western nations mobilized forces in East Asia, Empress Dowager Cixi initially resisted the rebellion. However, by 1900, she committed the Imperial Army’s more modern weaponry to bolster the Boxers against the foreign forces.

The Siege of Tientsin

For an extended period of eight weeks, Western embassies in Beijing faced dire conditions akin to a siege. Notably, eight historically competitive Western military contingents operated in unison without centralized command.

On June 21, 1900, they attempted to advance towards Beijing, encountering substantial resistance from Boxers and Imperial troops, particularly at Tientsin. By July 13, an all-out offensive was launched by the Eight-Nation Alliance—including British, Japanese, French, and American forces—against Tientsin. This joint operation stalled until late evening due to fierce opposition.

Critical Engagement

During this resurgence, several U.S. Marines distinguished themselves. Among them was Alexander Joseph Foley, born February 19, 1866, in Heckscherville, Pennsylvania. Foley, the child of an Irish immigrant coal miner, averted that fate by enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1888. His military journey included participation in key conflicts, notably the Cuban engagements, and he ascended to first sergeant with the 9th Infantry Regiment under Colonel Emerson Hamilton Liscum.

Sgt. Clarence Edward Sutton, his companion in service, had a more tumultuous military path. Born in Urbanna, Virginia, on February 18, 1871, Sutton’s early academic pursuits at the Virginia Military Institute lacked culmination due to a premature resignation. Nevertheless, he enlisted in June 1899 and joined Foley in the Philippines before being dispatched to China.

Harrowing Conditions at Tientsin

The confrontation at Tientsin was marked by approximately 6,000 Western troops clashing with an assemblage of Boxers and Imperial soldiers. The 9th Infantry faced dire ammunition shortages, limiting soldiers to 180 rounds each and resulting in nine casualties during the engagement alongside British Naval forces. Colonel Liscum fell during the battle, famously urging his men to “Keep up the fire,” a mantra that continues to resonate with the 9th Marine Regiment.

Amidst this conflict, additional valor was noted, particularly among Foley, Sutton, Sgt. John Mapes Adams, and Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Harry Chapman Adriance. Their actions were officially recognized as “meritorious combat.”

Testimonies of Valor

• Sgt. Clarence Sutton: Noteworthy was his role in assisting a wounded officer from the battlefield.
• 1st Sgt. Alexander Foley: His citation read, “In the presence of the enemy in the battle near Tientsin, China, July 13, 1900, Foley distinguished himself by exceptional conduct.”

The endorsement by the wounded officer, Major Regan, significantly bolstered the Marines’ citations, recognizing their extraordinary dedication to saving his life under fire.

Aftermath and Legacy

On July 14, the Alliance finally secured Tientsin, concluding the fiercest battle of the Boxer Rebellion. The liberation of the Beijing legations ensued, eventually leading to the Imperial government’s surrender on September 7, 1901, foreshadowing significant political changes in China.

On May 11, 1902, at the U.S. Marine garrison in Cavite, the Medal of Honor was awarded to Foley, Sutton, and others for their roles in this critical operations.

Final Fates

• Alexander Foley: Died in service in Culebra, Puerto Rico, on January 14, 1910.
• Clarence Sutton: Eventually rose to first sergeant but resigned in 1909 due to health issues, passing away on October 19, 1916, and interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Medal of Honor recipients from this conflict exemplify extraordinary courage and commitment in one of the late 19th century’s pivotal military engagements, preserving their legacy in the annals of U.S. military history.