John Mapes Adams

John Mapes Adams (October 11, 1871 – January 6, 1921) was an American Marine who received the Medal of Honor for valor during the Boxer Rebellion. His birth name was George Lawrence Day, but he served in the Marine Corps under the alias of John Mapes Adams.

Biography


John Mapes Adams was born October 11, 1871, in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy.

On July 13, 1900, while a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps he "distinguished himself by meritorious conduct" in battle at Tianjin, China (then Tientsin). His Medal of Honor was issued on July 19, the next year. He re-enlisted in Panama on October 11, 1902.

As of May 20, 1903 he had been promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant and was hospitalized in Washington, D.C.

Adams was buried at the Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

Medal of Honor citation
Adams Medal of Honor citation:

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: October 11, 1871, Haverhill, Mass. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 55, July 19, 1901.

Citation:

In the presence of the enemy during the battle near Tientsin, China, 13 July 1900, Adams distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.