The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
SIEGEL, JOHN OTTO
Rank and organization Boatswain's Mate Second Class,
U.S. Navy. Born: 21 April 1890, Milwaukee, Wis. Accredited to: New Jersey.
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 2 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
bursted, 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.
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