Preview
Subject
WWII Hero, Nininger, Medal of Honor
Description
Lieutenant Alexander Ramsey "Sandy" Nininger Jr., Hero of Bataan U.S. Army, 57th Infantry, Philippine Scouts
Lt. Nininger was the first Army soldier to receive the Medal of Honor during World War II, for his extraordinary actions in combat during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. After charging through the Japanese lines, Nininger eventually succumbed to his wounds, and his body was found in a foxhole, surrounded by the bodies of 3 Japanese soldiers (including an officer). Recommended by General MacArthur, Nininger was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. His Medal of Honor citation is as follows:
Citation: " For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Abucay, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 12 January 1942. This officer, though assigned to another company not then engaged in combat, voluntarily attached himself to Company K, same regiment, while that unit was being attacked by enemy force superior in firepower. Enemy snipers in trees and foxholes had stopped a counterattack to regain part of position. In hand-to-hand fighting which followed, 2d Lt. Nininger repeatedly forced his way to and into the hostile position. Though exposed to heavy enemy fire, he continued to attack with rifle and hand grenades and succeeded in destroying several enemy groups in foxholes and enemy snipers. Although wounded 3 times, he continued his attacks until he was killed after pushing alone far within the enemy position. When his body was found after the recapture of the position, 1 enemy officer and 2 enemy soldiers lay dead around him." NASFLMuseum
Date Digital
2019
Date Original
2021
Format
Black and white photographic print
Digital Collection
WWII Heros
Keywords
WWII Hero, Nininger, Medal of Honor