Boatswain's Mate First Class Reinhardt John Keppler, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for gallantry between November 12 and 13, 1942 in Iron Bottom Sound, Savo Island, Solomon Islands during World War II. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. San Francisco. Keppler was 24 years old.
Keppler was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. 3 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on September 17, 1943.
Keppler was born on January 22, 1918 in Ralston, Adams County, Washington. His Medal of Honor is credited to Washington. He is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California. His medal is held by Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum, Vallejo, CA.
Keppler is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 40 credited to Washington.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For extraordinary heroism and distinguished courage above and beyond the call of duty while serving aboard the U.S.S. San Francisco during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands, 12-13 November 1942. When a hostile torpedo plane, during a daylight air raid, crashed on the after machine-gun platform, Keppler promptly assisted in removal of the dead and, by his capable supervision of the wounded, undoubtedly helped save the lives of several shipmates who otherwise might have perished. That night, when the ship's hangar was set afire during the great battle off Savo Island, he bravely led a hose into the starboard side of the stricken area and there, without assistance and despite frequent hits from terrific enemy bombardment, eventually brought the fire under control. Later, although mortally wounded, he labored valiantly in the midst of bursting shells, persistently directing firefighting operations and administering to wounded personnel until he finally collapsed from loss of blood. His great personal valor, maintained with utter disregard of personal safety, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
What the citation records about his wounds:
Later, although mortally wounded, he labored valiantly in the midst of bursting shells, persistently directing firefighting operations and administering to wounded personnel until he finally collapsed from loss of blood.
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (November 15, 1942).
- Age at death: 24
- Resting place: Golden Gate National Cemetery
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Reinhardt John Keppler received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War II.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Washington →
Timeline
- January 22, 1918Born in Ralston, Adams County, Washington
- November 12 - 13, 1942Act of valor — Iron Bottom Sound, Savo Island, Solomon IslandsAge 24. U.S.S. San Francisco Killed in action.
- September 17, 1943Medal of Honor presented posthumously
- Resting placeGolden Gate National CemeterySan Bruno, California
Biography
Reinhardt John Keppler (January 22, 1918 – November 15, 1942) was an American navy serviceman who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
From the Wikipedia article “Reinhardt J. Keppler”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
Named in his honor
- USS Keppler — destroyer
