Reinhardt J. Keppler

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Reinhardt John Keppler
January 22, 1918 - November 13, 1942
Bosun's Mate 1/c Reinhardt J. Keppler
Place of birth	Ralston, Washington
Place of death	KIA at Guadalcanal
Allegiance	United States of America
Years of service	1936–1942
Rank	Boatswain's Mate First Class
Unit	San Francisco (CA-38)
Battles/wars	World War II Solomon Islands campaign Naval Battle of Guadalcanal
Awards	Medal of Honor Navy Cross

Reinhardt John Keppler, (22 January 1918 – 13 November 1942) was an American navy serviceman who was killed during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in World War Two. He is known to have performed valiantly during this battle, during which he lost his life. In recognition of his actions at Guadalcanal, he was posthumously awarded the United States Medal of Honor. The US naval vessel USS Keppler was named in his honor in 1946.

Keppler was born in Ralston, Washington. He was raised in that state and, after graduation from Wapato High School, enlisted in the United States Navy on 19 February 1936, aged 18.

After an honorable discharge, he reenlisted 25 April 1940 and was assigned to the heavy cruiser San Francisco (CA-38). Keppler was promoted to First Class Petty Officer at the beginning of October 1941. During the war Boatswain's Mate First Class Keppler participated in action at Pearl Harbor, the early wartime raids on Bougainville and New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands campaign.

When a Japanese bomber crashed into his ship on 12 November 1942, at the beginning of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, he assisted in caring for the resulting casualties. That night, as San Francisco participated in a chaotic battle with enemy warships, he labored valiantly, despite mortal wounds, to save his ship and wounded shipmates. It was for his "extraordinary heroism and distinguished courage" on these occasions that BM1 Reinhardt J. Keppler was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

In 1946, the destroyer USS Keppler (DD-765) was named in his honor. Previously, the destroyer escorts DE-311 and DE-375 had been assigned the name "Keppler", but both were cancelled before construction began.

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 the 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 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 fire-fighting operations and administrating to wounded personnel until he finally collapsed from loss of blood, and died, aged 24. His great personal valor, maintained with utter disregard of personal safety, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

[edit] References

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

• [1] Metal of Honor recipients page detailing Keppler
• Reinhardt J. Keppler, Dictionary of American Navy Fighting Ships, Naval Historical Center, United States Navy.
• MOH Citation for Reinhardt Keppler, HomeofHeroes.com.

[edit] External links

• Reinhardt J. Keppler photos, Naval Historical Center,United States Navy.