Martin T. Torgerson

Martin T. Torgerson
Born (1875-11-07)November 7, 1875
Oleesen, Norway
Died June 12, 1939(1939-06-12) (aged 63)
Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
Rank Lieutenant
Unit USS Newark
Battles/wars Boxer Rebellion
Awards Medal of Honor

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.

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.[1] [2]

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.[3] When his wife, Marie Larsen Torgerson died in 1935 she was buried with him.[4]

His son, Harry Torgerson, later served with the Paramarines in World War II, [5] and was awarded the Silver Star for actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. [6]

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.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "TORGERSON, MARTIN T.". Medal of Honor recipients, China Relief Expedition (Boxer Rebellion). United States Army Center of Military History. Retrieved February 1, 2010.
  2. Hall of Valor (Martin Torgerson)
  3. "Martin T. Torgerson". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved February 1, 2010.
  4. "Martin T. Sorgeson: Lieutenant, United States Navy". Burials at Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery Website. July 4, 2007. Retrieved February 1, 2010.
  5. Special Forces Roll
  6. Hall of Valor (Harry Torgerson)
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 4/29/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.