Niels Drustrup

On episode three hundred and ninety-six, the story of Niels Drustrup is told. All stories in March and April will be recipients from the Mexican Campaign.

Niels was born in Sindal, Denmark, on the 17th of October, 1876, and when he came to the United States, he enlisted in the US Navy on the 6th of February, 1900. He was deployed in support of the Mexican Campaign, where his actions earned him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

For meritorious service under fire on the occasion of the landing of the naval forces at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 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. (CMOHS.org)

Niels’ citation lists him as a Lieutenant, which was not his rank at the time of his actions. After the Campaign, he received a warrant promotion to Gunner and then a temporary promotion to Lieutenant on the 21st of September, 1918. After World War 1, Niels received a permanent promotion to Lieutenant and he retired from the Navy on the 6th of February, 1930 after thirty years of service and at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Niels Drustrup died on the 15th of March, 1957 at the age of 80 in Bridgeton, Pennsylvania, and he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery with his wife Johanna: Section 3, Lot 4378-RH (FindAGrave.com).