Hospital Apprentice Robert Stanley

Robert Henry Stanley has the distinction of being the first hospital corpsmen, and Navy medical man, ever to receive the Medal of Honor. He was born on 2 May 1881 in Brooklyn, NY. At the time of action he was serving as a Hospital Apprentice, USN. His citation reads, “In action with the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China during the battles of the 13, 20-22 June 1900. Throughout this period and in the presence of the enemy, Stanley distinguished himself by
meritorious conduct.” The Medal of Honor was awarded to Stanley on the USS Brooklyn in 1901.

Robert Stanley retired on 1 February 1939 as a Chief Pharmacist’s Mate. He died on 15 July 1942 in Pensacola, FL and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery (Section 7, Grave 8348).