Carl Emil Petersen (August 24, 1875 – November 17, 1971) was an American sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Boxer Rebellion who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Petersen was born August 24, 1875, in Hamburg, Germany, and after entering the navy in 1898 he was sent as a Chief Machinist to China to fight in the Boxer Rebellion.

[3] He died November 17, 1971, and is buried in Clover Leaf Memorial Park in Woodbridge, New Jersey.

Citation: In the presence of the enemy during the action at Peking, China, 28 June to 17 August 1900.

During this period Chief Machinist Petersen distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.