Alexander McKenzie
Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy

Alexander McKenzie was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1837.

On 11 June 1871, McKenzie was a Boatswain's Mate serving on the USS Colorado during the Korean Expedition.

The U.S. Expedition to Korea in 1871, also known as Sinmiyangyo (Western Disturbance of the Year Sinmi year), was the first American military action in Korea. It took place predominantly on and around the Korean island of Ganghwa. The reason for the presence of the American military expeditionary force in Korea was to support an American diplomatic delegation sent to establish trade and diplomatic relations with Korea and to ascertain the fate of the General Sherman merchant ship.

On 8 February 1872, Alexander McKenzie was a recipient of the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions on 11 June 1871.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate, United States Navy. Born: 1837, Scotland. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 169, 8 February 1872.

Citation:

On board the USS Colorado during the capture of the Korean forts, 11 June 1871. Fighting at the side of Lt. McKee during this action, McKenzie was struck by a sword and received a severe cut in the head from the blow.