Robert H. Stanley

Robert Henry Stanley (May 2, 1881 – July 15, 1942) was a 40-year member of the United States Navy. He was the first hospital corpsman to receive the nation's highest military decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor. He was awarded the medal for carrying messages under heavy fire on June 13, 20, 21 and 22 and July 12, 1900, while assigned to the at Beijing (then Peking), China during the Boxer Rebellion.

Early life and military career

Stanley was born Brooklyn, New York on May 2, 1881. On March 28, 1898, he enlisted in the Navy at age 16 aboard the receiving ship , moored at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He served as a landsman and participated in the Spanish–American War, which was declared only a month after his enlistment, and the Philippine–American War which began in 1899. The Newark had been sent during the China Relief Expedition to help relieve Allied forces fighting in the Boxer Rebellion. On 13 and 20, 21, and June 22 and July 12, in Beijing (then known to Americans as "Peking"), he volunteered to carry messages between the American and British legations despite heavy fire, "Chinese snipers were everywhere and Boxer militants fought viciously."

Stanley was discharged from the Navy on August 8, 1901, which was one month after being awarded the Medal of Honor.

Stanley was a member of the Imperial Order of the Dragon, a fraternal society for veterans of the Boxer Rebellion of all ranks. This organization contrasted with the Military Order of the Dragon whose membership consisted solely of commissioned officers.

Later career In 1917, Stanley re-enlisted in order to serve in World War I. During the war, he served on the USS America (ID-3006), a German passenger liner seized by the United States and converted to a troop transport.

Stanley was promoted to the warrant officer rank of Pharmacist on August 5, 5, 1920. He was promoted to Chief Pharmacist on September 24, 1923.

Retirement and death Stanley retired from the Navy on February 1, 1939. He died in Pensacola, Florida, at age 61, on July 15, 1942. He was buried with his wife Mary Ellen (1881–1930) at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. "For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy in volunteering and carrying messages under fire at Peking, China, 12 July 1900." "Hospital Apprentice Stanley's exceptional fortitude, inspiring initiative, and unrelenting devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."