The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman Axel Westermark, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action in the presence of the enemy during the battle of Peking, China, 28 June to 17 August 1900, while serving with a detachment from the U.S.S. Newark. Throughout this period, Seaman Westermark distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.