Medal of Honor: Reinhardt J. Keppler – World War II – November 12–13, 1942

Name: Reinhardt John Keppler
Rank: Boatswain’s Mate First Class
Organization: U.S. Navy
Unit: USS San Francisco (CA-38), Solomon Islands Campaign
Place and Date: Off Savo Island, Solomon Islands – 12–13 November 1942
Entered Service At: Washington
Born: January 22, 1918 – Ralston, Washington
Departed: November 13, 1942 (Mortally Wounded)
Accredited to: Washington
Other Award: Navy Cross

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Summary of Action

During the vicious two-day struggle for control of the waters off Guadalcanal, USS San Francisco endured relentless attacks from Japanese aircraft and warships. In the daylight raid of November 12, a torpedo plane crashed onto the after machine-gun platform, igniting carnage and chaos. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Reinhardt Keppler rushed into the flames, helping remove the dead and directing aid for the wounded — saving several who would otherwise have died.

That night, as the ship entered the brutal close-quarters naval engagement off Savo Island, San Francisco was hammered by shellfire. When the ship’s hangar erupted into flames, Keppler seized a fire hose and led the assault on the blaze, fighting the inferno alone under continuous bombardment. Shells tore into the ship again and again, and Keppler was mortally wounded — but he refused to quit.

Bleeding heavily, he crawled back into the fray, directing fire-fighting crews and caring for wounded shipmates even as the battle raged around him. Only after collapsing from blood loss did he cease his efforts.

His courage helped save his ship and her crew during one of the most desperate naval battles of the Pacific War.

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Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Boatswain’s Mate First Class, U.S. Navy.

Accredited to: Washington.

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.