 Among other things, Trapp bought seven bottles of water from the Jordan River which were later used to baptize his first seven children.In 1900 he was assigned to the protected cruiser and was decorated for his performance during the Boxer Rebellion, in which he participated in the assault on the Taku Forts.In 1902 he passed the final officer's examination, and was commissioned a "Fregattenleutnant" (frigate lieutenant, equivalent to sub-lieutenant) in May 1903.