Years of service 1898–1903 Awards Medal of Honor Battles/wars Boxer Rebellion Battles and wars Boxer Rebellion | Name David Scannell Rank Private Died May 7, 1923 | |
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Born March 30, 1875
Boston, Massachusetts ( 1875-03-30 ) Place of burial Togus National Cemetery, Chelsea, Maine Service/branch United States Marine Corps | ||
Allegiance United States of America | ||
David John Scannell (March 30, 1875 – May 7, 1923) was a United States Marine and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Boxer Rebellion.
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Biography
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Scannell enlisted in the Marine Corps from that city on February 1, 1898, and served as a private. In Beijing (then known to Americans as Peking), China, from July 21 to August 17, 1900, he helped erect barricades despite heavy hostile fire. One year later, on July 19, 1901, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for this action.
Scannell was discharged from the Marine Corps on March 6, 1903, after five years of service. He died two decades later, at age 48, and was buried at Togus National Cemetery in Chelsea, Maine. The only Medal of Honor recipient in the cemetery, Scannell's grave is distinguished by a special marker with gold engraving.
Medal of Honor citation
His official citation reads:
In the presence of the enemy during the action at Peking, China, 21 July to 17 August 1900. Throughout this period, Scannell distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.
Legacy
In 1909 the San Francisco Fire Department commissioned two new fireboats, one of which was named after Scannell.