Oiler Frank Smith, USN

Little is known regarding Frank Elmer Smith, an oiler* aboard the flagship U.S.S. Newark. He was born in 1864, joined the U.S. Navy in 1884, and was part of the naval detachment landed from the Newark that joined the Seymour Expedition to rescue the ministers in Peking. In fact, the details of his naval career are unknown prior to his 1900 involvement in the Seymour Expedition. Because of his extraordinary heroism in action while serving with the detachment from the U.S.S. Newark, the following award was given unto him by a grateful nation.

Citation: The Medal of Honor is presented to Frank Elmer Smith, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with the detachment from the U.S.S. Newark, fighting with the relief expedition of the Allied Forces in China during the battles of 13, 20, 21, and 22 June 1900. Throughout this period and in the presence of the enemy, Smith distinguished himself by meritorious conduct in the presence of the enemy.

*An oiler was a junior member of the Engine Room crew, whose task it was to lubricate (via oil or grease) the many moving parts of a Victorian era steamship's machinery.

General Order No. 55, July 19, 1901