Seaman William Troy (1871 Korean Campaign) is a Notable burial at https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/sanjoaquinvalley.asp. He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions on board the U.S.S. Colorado during the capture of the Korean forts, June 11, 1871. William Troy (1848 – March 8, 1907) entered service in the US Navy from Massachusetts as a United States Navy sailor. For bravery in action during the 1871 Korean Expedition he received the Medal of Honor on June 11, 1871. He was part of the party that rescued the mortally wounded Hugh McKee at Citadel Korea and was himself wounded and specifically commended by the Lieutenant.  Originally buried at the Stockton State Hospital Cemetery, his remains were moved to the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery Troy died in 1907.   https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/3197.
*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 



Medal of Honor Day #MOH. There are 390 Medal of Honor recipients in VA National Cemeteries. One of the lesser known conflicts in which three medals of honor were awarded is the 1871 Korean Expedition. 
The @USNavy shipped a diplomatic delegation to Korea, to establish trade and political relations. The American delegation initially landed and stated that they meant no harm and were just going to explore the area. However, by sailing up the Han River, which led to the capital, the Americans had broken the law and were fired on. No major damage resulted. 
The Americans then demanded an apology within 10 days. 
June 10, after the deadline passed, 546 Sailors and 105 Marines lead by Navy Lt. Hugh McKee assaulted a series of garrisons and forts, until they reach Gwangseong Garrison, a citadel. It was held by a unit called the “Tiger Hunters.” Leading the charge, McKee was shot in the groin, mortally wounded. In his citation, Ordinary Seaman William Troy, from the USS Colorado fought at the side of McKee, and was wounded severely as well. Attempting to save McKee, Landsman William Lukes, Seth Allen and Thomas Murphy fought hand to hand against the Koreans, but Allen and Murphy were killed. Lukes was knocked unconscious and spent 39 days in a coma. 
Equipped with matchlock muskets, the Koreans were severely outgunned, but the major blow of battle was when their Commander, General Eo Jae-yon was shot and killed by Pvt. James Dougherty. His flag, his “Sujagi” was captured by Cpl. Charles Brown. 
After 15 minutes, 243 Koreans were dead, 20 captured. Three Americans died. The Koreans still refused to the negotiate. The US fleet departed July 3 for China. In the aftermath the Korea became even more isolationist until 1876 when a Japanese fleet threatened to fire on Seoul. 
Nine Sailors and six Marines were awarded the medal of honor for their actions that day, including, Lukes, Brown, Troy, and Dougherty. There is no record of Brown ever receiving his award. He deserted before it was awarded.
Ordinary Seaman William Troy died in 1907 at the age of 58 or 59 and is interred at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. 
Landsman William Lukes was found with 18 bayonet wounds, laying on top of Lt. McKee. He would suffer from seizures for the rest of his life. He died in 1923 at the age of 76 and is interred at Los Angeles National Cemetery. He was 76.
Pvt. James J. Dougherty died in 1897 at the age of 58 and is interred at Cypress Hills National Cemetery.


Koreans and Sailors fight. The koreans are in traditional dress and Lukes in dress blues.

Two Marines in Civil War era dress stand in front of a large flag with Sailor.

WILLIAM TROY

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