Navy Federal Credit Union

When the Spanish-American War broke out, 18-year-old Calvin Titus joined the Iowa National Guard. The brief war ended before his unit was activated, so he enlisted in the regular army to serve in the Philippines. His role as a Musician was basically that of a ChaplainÕs Assistant, before that became a military occupational specialty. His courage in China led to an appointment to West Point where, during his first year, President Theodore Roosevelt awarded him the Medal of Honor. Titus graduated 43d in his class of 1905, and returned to his old unit as a lieutenant. Titus served 32 years in the army, six of which were spent as commandant of the Coe College (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) R.O.T.C. program.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Musician

    Regiment:

    14th Infantry

    Action Date:

    August 14, 1900

    Date of Issue: March 11, 1902

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Musician Calvin Pearl Titus, United States Army, for gallant and daring conduct in the presence of his colonel and other officers and enlisted men of his regiment on 14 August 1900, while serving with Company E, 14th Infantry, at Peking, China. Musician Titus was first to scale the wall of the city.