Reinhardt J. Keppler
| Reinhardt J. Keppler | |
|---|---|
Boatswain's Mate 1/c Reinhardt J. Keppler
|
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| Birth name | Reinhardt John Keppler |
| Born |
January 22, 1918 Ralston, Washington, U.S. |
| Died | November 15, 1942 (aged 24) KIA at sea off Guadalcanal |
| Place of label | Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1936–1942 |
| Rank | Boatswain's Mate First Class |
| Unit | USS 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 (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.
Keppler was born in Ralston, Washington. His father was minister who transferred to the Northwest from the small town of Hosmer, South Dakota. He was raised in that state and, after graduation from Wapato High School, enlisted in the United States Navy on February 19, 1936, aged 18.
After an honorable discharge, he reenlisted April 25, 1940 and was assigned to the heavy cruiser USS 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 November 12, 1942, at the beginning of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, he assisted in caring for the resulting casualties. That night and into the early morning of Nov 13, as the San Francisco participated in a chaotic battle with enemy warships, he labored valiantly, despite mortal wounds, to save his ship and wounded shipmates. (His tombstone incorrectly lists Nov 15 as his death.) It was for his "extraordinary heroism and distinguished courage" on these occasions that Keppler was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Keppler is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California. He was survived by his widow and younger brother Ben (who grew up back in Hosmer).
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