Jack Keiningham

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 22939
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Jack Keiningham (MCSN: 410715), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 16 June 1944.
When a 37-mm. gun in front of our lines was silenced with the death or serious wounding of the last of its crew during a fierce enemy counterattack, Corporal Keiningham ran to his command post, obtained ammunition and, braving intense hostile fire, returned to the gun. While unfamiliar with that type of gun, he courageously manned it and fired eight rounds, destroying many of the enemy before receiving a wound which forced his subsequent evacuation. His courage, initiative and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Keiningham and the United States Naval Service.

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 22939
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jack Keiningham (MCSN: 410715), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 15 June 1944.
Holding his fire until an approaching enemy tank was within ten yards of his foxhole, Corporal Keiningham leaped to his feet, fired an antitank grenade and scored a direct hit on the turret. By his prompt, courageous action in stopping and silencing the hostile tank and assisting in annihilating the enemy personnel attempting to escape, he contributed materially to the saving of many of his comrades' lives. His courage, gallant spirit of service and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Jack Keiningham, 82, of Bellmead, passed away Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007, at the Waco V.A. Graveside military honors will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Waco Memorial Park with the Rev. Curtis Holland officiating.
Jack was born in Putnam, Texas, to the late Frank C. and Annie Elizabeth (Johnson) Keiningham. He attended LaVega Schools before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in July 1942. He served in the 2nd Marine Corps from 1942 to 1944 and was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart in the Battle of Saipan in the Pacific during World War II. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1948 and served until his retirement from regular service in February 1966. He then joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a flight engineer instructor and served from 1966 to 1970. Survivors include his brothers, Frank C. Keiningham, Jr. and his wife, Melba, of Vernon, Texas, and Kenneth Keiningham and his wife, Carmen, of Bellmead; sister, Cynthia Metcalf and her husband, John, of Bellmead; uncle and aunt, Jim and Marie Boothe, of Many, La.; and numerous nephews.
Waco Tribune-Herald: 10/2/2007