Axel was born on the 8th of April 1875, in Bergo, Finland and he enlisted in the US Navy. He was a Seaman on board the USS Newark when it was sent to respond to the conflict in China in May of 1900. Axel’s actions as a Legation Guard, guarding the civilian compound, would later earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

In the presence of the enemy during the battle of Peking, China, 28 June to 17 August 1900. Throughout this period, Westermark distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.

Axel received the Medal on the 19th of July 1901, reached the rank of Gunner’s Mate First Class, and I found no further information for his life after the conflict. Axel Westermark died on the 7th of May 1911, at the age of 36 and he is buried in the San Francisco National Cemetery: Section A, Grave 32.