Four Receive Highest Award for Valor on Samoa

One sailor and three Marines honored for bravery during the Second Samoan Civil War in 1899

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:41pm

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One sailor and three Marines were awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery during the Second Samoan Civil War on April 1, 1899. The combatants included Samoans, Americans, and British forces fighting against the Germans and a rival Samoan group. The U.S. and British forces landed on the island of Upolu and were ambushed by over 800 enemy Samoans, leading to a fierce battle where several service members distinguished themselves.

Why it matters

The Second Samoan Civil War was a significant event in the history of the Pacific region, with the United States, Germany, and Britain vying for influence over the Samoan Islands. The heroic actions of these four service members, who were awarded the nation's highest military honor, highlight the bravery and sacrifice of American forces during this conflict.

The details

During the battle at Vailele, the allied Samoan forces retreated, leaving the 26 Marines, 88 sailors, and 136 Samoans to face the enemy. Navy Lt. Philip Lansdale ordered the men to fall back, but Navy Ensign John R. Monaghan disobeyed the order and continued fighting. Lansdale and Monaghan were later found dead, side by side. Marine Corps Pvt. Henry L. Hulbert, despite being wounded, conducted a one-man delaying action that allowed the landing force to withdraw to a defensible position. Marine Corps Sgts. Michael Joseph McNally and Bruno Albert Forsterer, and Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Frederick Thomas Fisher also distinguished themselves in the battle and were awarded the Medal of Honor.

  • The Second Samoan Civil War took place on April 1, 1899.
  • The Medals of Honor were awarded by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1901.

The players

Philip Lansdale

Navy lieutenant and leader of the expeditionary force, who was wounded and killed during the battle.

John R. Monaghan

Navy ensign who disobeyed orders to fall back and continued fighting, resulting in his death.

Henry L. Hulbert

Marine Corps private who conducted a one-man delaying action, allowing the landing force to withdraw to a defensible position.

Michael Joseph McNally

Marine Corps sergeant who distinguished himself in the battle and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Bruno Albert Forsterer

Marine Corps sergeant who was born in Konigsberg, Germany, and later became the editor of the Oakland Tribune newspaper.

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What they’re saying

“The gallantry of [Pvt.] Henry L. Hulbert, who remained behind at the fence till the last and who was with Lansdale and Monaghan when they were killed, I desire especially to mention.”

— John Davis Long, Navy Secretary

What’s next

The Tripartite Convention of 1899 concluded the Second Samoan Civil War, with Germany gaining Western Samoa and the United States gaining Eastern Samoa. The Samoan monarchy was abolished, and Samoan autonomy officially ended.

The takeaway

The heroic actions of these four service members, who were awarded the Medal of Honor, highlight the bravery and sacrifice of American forces during the Second Samoan Civil War, a significant event in the history of the Pacific region.