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U.S. Navy

John Otto Siegel

ConflictWorld War I

Year of Action1918

Unit/CommandUSS Mohawk

BirthplaceMilwaukee, Wisconsin

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.

Branch: U.S. Navy Conflict: World War I Year of Action: 1918