John Otto Siegel

Returning to a burning schooner to rescue its crew

John Otto Siegel was born on April 21, 1890, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He served in the United States Navy as a boatswain's mate second class aboard USS Mohawk during World War I.

On November 1, 1918, he boarded the burning schooner Hjeltenaes on a rescue mission. After bringing two men out of the crew's quarters, he returned a third time. A steam pipe burst above the doorway, trapping him inside.

Overcome by smoke, Siegel collapsed. Members of Mohawk's crew reached him, carried him out and gave first aid. His Medal of Honor recognized the extraordinary heroism of his repeated efforts to save the schooner's crew.

Siegel died on August 15, 1943, in Gary, Indiana, and is buried at Mount Mercy Cemetery there. His medal is held by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Official Medal of Honor 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 two 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.