John Otto 'John' Siegel

Boatswain's Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

World War I

Boatswain's Mate Second Class John Otto 'John' Siegel was a U.S. Navy sailor who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during World War I.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy.

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 burst, 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.

Death and Burial

Boatswain's Mate Second Class John Otto 'John' Siegel died on 15 August 1943 of carcinoma of the lung. He is buried at Mount Mercy Cemetery in Gary, Lake County, IN, in Section 12A, Lot 51, Grave 11, Row 5.

Note from MHOH:

MHOH was created to honor only those who have honorably served in the armed forces of the United States. This honoree would not normally be included on this site because he received a "less than honorable discharge" from the U.S. Navy. However, because he was awarded the Medal of Honor, MHOH feels that it has an obligation to include him.