William Zion was born in Knightstown, Indiana on October 23, 1872. He served in the United States Marine Corps and later in the United States Army. In 1900, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his "meritorious conduct" as a Marine in China.
Zion died on March 25, 1919, of an apparent accidental gunshot wound inflicted while cleaning his weapon.[2] Lieutenant Zion is buried in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.[3]
According to Sydney Gumpertz in his book The Jewish Legion of Valor, Zion was Jewish.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and Organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: October 23, 1872, Knightstown, Ind. Accredited to: California. G. O. No.: 55 July 19, 1901.
Citation:
In the presence of the enemy during the battle of Peking, China, July 21 to August 17, 1900. Throughout this period, Zion distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.[4]
