Battles/wars Boxer Rebellion Awards Medal of Honor Unit USS Newark (C-1) Died June 12, 1939 Rank Lieutenant | Role Sailor Name Martin Torgerson Battles and wars Boxer Rebellion | |
Born November 7, 1875
Oleesen, Norway ( 1875-11-07 ) Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia Allegiance United States of America | ||
Service/branch United States Navy | ||
Martin Torinus Torgerson (November 7, 1875-June 12, 1939) was an American sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Boxer Rebellion who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
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Biography
Torgerson was born November 7, 1875 in Oleesen, Norway, and after entering the navy he was sent as an Gunner's Mate Third Class to China to fight in the Boxer Rebellion.
He died June 12, 1939 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia. His grave can be found in section 6, lot 8680, map grid W/22. When his wife, Marie Larsen Torgerson died in 1935 she was buried with him.
His son, Harry Torgerson, later served with the Paramarines in World War II, and was awarded the Silver Star for actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization. Gunner's Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy. Born: 7 November 1875, Oleesen, Norway. Accredited to. Virginia. G.O. No.: 55, 19 July 1901.
Citation:
In action with the relief expedition of the Allied Forces in China, 13, 20, 21, and 22 June 1900. During this period and in the presence of the enemy, Torgerson distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.