b. 17/10/1876 Sindal, Denmark. d. 15/03/1957 Bridgeton, Pennsylvania.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 21/04/1914 Veracruz, Mexico.
Vera Cruz Medal of Honor Recipient. A Danish immigrant, he was issued the award in 1924 for his actions while serving as a lieutenant assigned to the USS Utah on April 21, 1914 during the US Occupation of Vera Cruz, Mexico. He joined the US Navy in February 1900 and following his service at Vera Cruz, he was warranted to the rank of gunner. In August 1920 he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and retired from the US Navy in 1930. He died at the age of 80. His Medal of Honor citation reads: “For meritorious service under fire on the occasion of landing of the naval forces at Vera Cruz, Mexico, on 21 April 1914. For several hours Lt. Drustrup was in charge of an advanced barricade under a heavy fire, and not only displayed utmost ability as a leader of men but also exerted a great steadying influence on the men around him. Lt. Drustrup was then attached to the U.S.S. Utah as a chief turret captain.”
MOH CITATION:
For meritorious service under fire on the occasion of landing of the naval forces at Vera Cruz, Mexico, on 21 April 1914. For several hours Lt. Drustrup was in charge of an advanced barricade under a heavy fire, and not only displayed utmost ability as a leader of men but also exerted a great steadying influence on the men around him. Lt. Drustrup was then attached to the U.S.S. Utah as a chief turret captain.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 3 LOT 4378-RH
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
