USS KEPPLER DE-375

JOHN REINHARDT KEPPLER

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, April 2016

John Reinhardt Keppler, born in Ralston, Wash., 22 January 1918, enlisted in the Navy 19 February 1936. After an honorable discharge, he reenlisted 25 April 1940 and was assigned to San Francisco. During the war Boatswain’s Mate First Class John R. Keppler participated in action at Pearl Harbor, Bougainville, Salamana, Guadalcanal, and Savo Island. He lost his life in the Savo Island campaign and was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. The citation reads: “For extraordinary heroism and distinguished courage above and beyond the call of duty while serving aboard the San Francisco (CA-38) during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands, November 12-13, 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…. Later, although mortally wounded, he labored valiantly in the midst of bursting shells, persistently directing firefighting operations and administering to injured personnel until he finally collapsed from loss of blood. His great personal valor, maintained with disregard of personal safety, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life for his country.”