David John Scannell

David John Scannell
Born (1875-03-30)March 30, 1875
Boston, Massachusetts
Died May 7, 1923(1923-05-07) (aged 48)
Place of burial Togus National Cemetery, Chelsea, Maine
Allegiance United States
Service/branch Marine Corps
Years of service 1898–1903
Rank Private
Battles/wars Boxer Rebellion
Awards Medal of Honor

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.

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.[1][2]

Scannell was discharged from the Marine Corps on March 6, 1903, after five years of service.[1] 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.[3][4]

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.[2]

Legacy

In 1909 the San Francisco Fire Department commissioned two new fireboats, one of which was named after Scannell.[5]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Schuon, Karl (1963). U.S. Marine Corps Biographical Dictionary. New York: Franklin Watts, Inc. p. 191.
  2. 1 2 "Medal of Honor recipients - China Relief Expedition". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  3. ↑ "David John Scannell". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved January 16, 2010.
  4. ↑ "Togus National Cemetery - VAMC Togus, Maine". U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. November 10, 2009. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  5. ↑ Joanne Hayes-White. "New fireboat project" (PDF). San Francisco Fire Department. Retrieved 2014-02. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
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