Гудалканал шайқасындағы батырлық ерлігі үшін АҚШ Әскери-теңіз күштерінің медалі

United States Navy Medal of Honor recipient

Reinhardt John Keppler (January 22, 1918 – November 15, 1942) was an American navy serviceman who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.

Keppler was born in Ralston, Washington. His father was a minister who transferred to the Northwest from the small town of Hosmer, South Dakota. He was raised in Washington and, after graduation from Wapato High School, enlisted in the United States Navy on February 19, 1936, aged 18. After an honorable discharge, he reenlisted April 25, 1940 and was assigned to the heavy cruiser San Francisco. When a Japanese bomber crashed into his ship on November 12, 1942, at the beginning of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, he assisted in caring for the resulting casualties. That night and into the early morning of November 13, as the San Francisco participated in a chaotic battle with enemy warships, he labored valiantly, despite mortal wounds, to save his ship and wounded shipmates. (His tombstone incorrectly lists Nov 15 as his death.) It was for his "extraordinary heroism and distinguished courage" on these occasions that Keppler was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Keppler was initially buried at the American Military Cemetery at Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu; his remains were transferred in June 1948 to Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California. He was survived by his widow and younger brother Ben (who grew up in Hosmer).

In 1946, the destroyer Keppler, in commission from 1947 to 1972, was named in his honor. Previously, the destroyer escorts Keppler and Keppler had been named for him, but both were cancelled before construction began.