Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Boatswain's Mate Second Class John Otto Siegel received the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 1, 1918 in Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmith, Virginia during World War I. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Mohawk. Siegel was 28 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Siegel was born on April 21, 1890 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. His Medal of Honor is credited to New Jersey. Siegel died on August 15, 1943 in Gary, Indiana, at the age of 53. He is buried at Mount Mercy Cemetery in Gary, Indiana. His medal is held by Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA.
Siegel is one of 132 Medal of Honor recipients from World War I and one of 93 credited to New Jersey.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For extraordinary heroism while serving on board the Mohawk in performing a rescue mission aboard the schooner Hjeltenaes which was in flames on 1 November 1918. Going aboard the blazing vessel, Siegel rescued two men from the crew's quarters and went back the third time. Immediately after he had entered the crew's quarters, a steam pipe over the door burst, making it impossible for him to escape. Siegel was overcome with smoke and fell to the deck, being finally rescued by some of the crew of the Mohawk who carried him out and rendered first aid.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- April 21, 1890Born in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
- November 1, 1918Act of valor — Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmith, VirginiaAge 28. U.S.S. Mohawk
- August 15, 1943Died in Gary, IndianaAge 53.
- Resting placeMount Mercy CemeteryGary, Indiana
