US Navy. Born 26 Apr 1867 in Norway. Spanish-American War: Enlisted from Massachusetts. Ordinary Seaman. Awarded the Medal of Honor. On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, on 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Olsen displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this period. Sources: (“America’s Medal of Honor Recipients”. Publ. 1977, pp 362, 1018)
