Keppler (DD 765) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to REINHARDT JOHN KEPPLER BOATSWAIN ' S MATE FIRST CLASS UNITED STATES NAVY for service as set forth in ihe following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism and distinguished courage above and beyond the call of duty while serving aboard the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands, 12-13 November 1942. When a hostile torpedo plane, during a daylight air raid, crashed on the after machine-gun platform, KEPPLER promptly assisted in removal of the dead and, by his capable supervision of the wounded, un- doubtedly helped save the lives of several shipmates who otherwise might have perished. That night, when the ship ' s hangar « as set afire during the great battle off Savo Island, he bravely led a hose into the starboard side of the stricken area and there, without assistance and despite frequent hits from terrific enemy bombard- ment, eventually brought the fire iinder control. Later, although mortally wounded, he labored valiantly in the midst of bursting shells, persistently directing fire-fighting operations and adminis- tering to wounded personnel until he finally collapsed from loss of blood. His great personal valor, maintained with utter disregard of personal safety, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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REIMARDT JDM KEPPLER RDATSWAIIV MATE FIRST ELASS UIVITED STATES IVAVY

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Commander Dwight WADSWORTH, USN, took command of KEPPLER on 4 AUG 1966, reporting from short duty at Surface Missile System Project Office, Washington, D.C. KEPPLER is the fourth ship of its class on which the Captain has served. His other sea duty billets have included assign- ments on only one carrier and two cruisers so it might be safely stated that he considers himself qualified as a true destroyerman . Captain WADSWORTH, has guided KEPPLER through two successful deployments, one to SEASIA and this one to the MED NORTHERIM EUROPE. He has only the highest praise for the exploits and accomplishments of KEPPLER- MEIM who seem to have the ability to react in magnificent fashion to whatever challenge may appear. The ability of KEPPLER to live up to her motto of READY has made her a welcome addition to Navy Fleets around the world. Captain WADSWORTH wears the Bronze Star, with Combat ' V, The Navy Commendation Medal, with Combat ' V and the RVN Cross of Gallantry Medal as a result of KEPPLER ' s spectacular successes in Tonkin Gulf as a unit of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. Captain WADSWORTH has been relieved to return to Washington for shore duty and to spend some time with his family, consisting of his wife, Lynne, and their five children. All KEPPLERMEN wish Charlie Oscar Godspeed and Good Fortune for the future. CDMMATVDIIVG OFFICER CDR D. WADSWORTH i ' E XECUTIVE OFFICER CDR J. T. McOUESTEIV, JR. Commander John T. McQUESTEN, Jr., USN, relieved as Executive Officer on 5 December 1966 while KEPPLER was operating in the Tonkin Gulf as a unit of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. He reported to KEPPLER following a tour of shore duty as a member of the International Planning Staff of the NATO Military Committee, Washington, D.C. KEPPLER is the third ship of its class in which Com- mander McQUESTEN has served. Following an initial tour in destroyers, the Commander completed Naval Flight Training and served a tour as a Primary Flight Instructor in Pensacola, Florida. This tour was followed by sea duty as a Team Pilot with CARRIER AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING SQUAD- RON TWELVE in Quonset Point. Commander McQUESTEN returned to the Destroyer Navy with duty as Operations Officer, Staff COMMANDER DESTROYER DEVELOP- MENT GROUP TWO prior to serving a tour as Ope rations and Executive Officer aboard USS FRED T. BERRY (DD 858). Prior to reporting for Washington shore duty he completed a third consecutive tour of sea duty as Engineer Officer aboard USS SAN MARCOS (LSD 25). Relieved in September 1968, Commander McQUESTEN has served aboard KEPPLER through two successful deploy- ments, one to SEASIA and this one to the MED NORTHERN EUROPE. The Commander is married to LCDR Ruth B. Mc- QUESTEN, USN (W) who is currently serving as Special Services Officer, Naval Base Newport. The Commanders reside at 8 Faxon Green, Newport. ALL KEPPLERMEN, smile or not, wish Number One Godspeed and Good fortune for the future.