Marines Bravely Fought in Boxer Rebellion, Earning Honors

The Boxer Rebellion in China saw significant military engagement from foreign powers, including the United States Marine Corps. On July 13, 1900, during a fierce battle in Tientsin, two Marines, 1st Sgt. Alexander Joseph Foley and Sgt. Clarence Edward Sutton, distinguished themselves through acts of valor that ultimately earned them the prestigious Medal of Honor.

The Boxer Rebellion was initiated by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, commonly known as the Boxers. This nationalist movement arose in response to foreign imperialism, targeting foreign nationals, merchants, and Chinese individuals associated with Western influence. As tensions escalated, the Manchu Empress Tzu-Hsi initially opposed the Boxers but later supported them, leading to a foreign military response from an alliance of eight nations.

By June 1900, the Eight-Nation Alliance, consisting of British, Japanese, French, and American forces, mobilized approximately 50,000 troops. Their goal was to relieve the besieged foreign legations in Beijing and restore order. The situation in Tientsin became critical, with around 6,000 foreign soldiers facing off against a mix of Boxers and Imperial troops.

Marines Foley and Sutton, both serving in the 9th Infantry Regiment, were part of the American contingent in this chaotic environment. The battle for Tientsin was marked by severe shortages of ammunition, leaving each soldier with only 180 rounds. The fighting was intense, resulting in significant casualties, including the death of Colonel Emerson Hamilton Liscum, who fell while attempting to secure the regimental colors.

During this tumultuous battle, both Foley and Sutton exemplified exceptional bravery. Major James Regan, who was wounded while fighting, credited the two Marines with saving his life. He described how they, along with others, carried him to safety on an improvised litter made from shirts and rifles, navigating under heavy fire over challenging terrain.

Their extraordinary courage did not go unnoticed. The official reports highlighted their “meritorious conduct,” leading to their nomination for the Medal of Honor. Regan’s testimony added weight to their citations, noting the difficulty they faced in rescuing him under fire.

The battle culminated in the successful entry of the Alliance forces into Tientsin on July 14, 1900, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict. This victory paved the way for the eventual relief of the foreign legations in Beijing and the formal surrender of the Imperial government on September 7, 1901.

In recognition of their bravery, Foley, Sutton, and other Marines received the Medal of Honor in a ceremony held at the U.S. Marine garrison in Cavite on May 11, 1902. Tragically, both Foley and Sutton faced challenges in the years that followed. Foley died on duty in Culebra, Puerto Rico, on January 14, 1910, while Sutton resigned due to health issues and passed away on October 19, 1916.

Their actions during the Boxer Rebellion remain a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who serve in the military, exemplifying the very spirit of the Medal of Honor.