Born in the village of Groveton, New Hampshire, William E. Holyoke left the White Mountains for a career at sea. By 1900, he had risen to the rank of Boatswain’s Mate First Class in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the protected cruiser USS Newark. His service coincided with the Boxer Rebellion in China, a violent uprising against foreign influence that required an international relief expedition to protect besieged civilians and diplomats.

In June 1900, Holyoke was part of the Allied forces attempting to fight their way toward Peking (Beijing). Over the course of four days—June 13, 20, 21, and 22—he was engaged in sustained combat against enemy forces. Throughout these skirmishes, Holyoke’s actions were noted for distinguished and meritorious conduct in the presence of the enemy.

For his bravery and leadership during this relief expedition, William E. Holyoke was awarded the Medal of Honor. He remains one of the few New Hampshire-born sailors to receive the decoration during the turn of the century.