*KEPPLER, REINHARDT JOHN
Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate
First Class, U.S. Navy. Born: 22 January 1918, Ralston, Wash. Accredited to:
Washington. Other Navy Award Navy Cross.
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, 1213 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 fire-fighting 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.
