Axel Sundquist


Axel Leohard Sundquist was a chief carpenter serving in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery during the Spanish–American War.

Biography

Sundquist was born May 26, 1867 in Furland, Russia and later emigrated to the United States. He enlisted in the United States Navy on August 31, 1893.
During the Spanish–American War in 1898 he was a chief carpenter's mate aboard the cruiser U.S.S. Marblehead. He received the Medal of Honor for his efforts in clearing 27 contact mines from Guantanamo Bay in July 1898.
He was warranted as a carpenter on December 12, 1898 and received the Medal of Honor seven days later. In March 1903 he was assigned to the Naval Torpedo Station in Newport, Rhode Island. He was promoted to chief carpenter on December 12, 1904.
Chief Carpenter Sundquist died on December 22, 1910 and is buried in Braman Cemetery in Newport.

Awards

Rank and organization: Chief Carpenter's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 26 May 1867, Furland, Russia. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 500, 19 December 1898.
Citation:
On board the U.S.S. Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 26 and 27 July 1898. Displaying heroism, Sundquist took part in the perilous work of sweeping for and disabling 27 contact mines during this period.