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Photo # NH 103904:  Private Franklin E. Sigler, USMCR

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Private First Class Franklin E. Sigler, USMCR, (1924-1995)

Franklin Earl Sigler was born on 6 November 1924 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He attended High School at Little Falls, New Jersey and enlisted in the Marine Corps from that state in March 1943. Following recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina he served at the Charleston Navy Yard, S.C. and in April 1944, was assigned to Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division.

With this unit, Private Sigler participated in the bitter fight for Iwo Jima that began in February 1945. On 14 March 1945, after a Japanese strong point had held up his company for several days, he took over leadership of his squad when its leader became a casualty. Sigler personally charged and destroyed the stubborn enemy gun installation, then assaulted other positions that overlooked the first. Though seriously wounded, he continued to direct fire on the enemy and assisted other injured Marines until finally ordered to obtain medical treatment. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life," Private Sigler was awarded the Medal of Honor.

The medal was presented by President Harry S. Truman at the White House on 5 October 1945. In June 1946, with the rank of Private First Class, Sigler was discharged from the Marine Corps for disability resulting from his combat injuries. He died on 20 January 1995 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virgina.

This page features the only image we have concerning Franklin E. Sigler.


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Photo #: NH 103904

Private Franklin E. Sigler, USMCR


Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 260.
Franklin E. Sigler received the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life" on 14 March 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 56KB; 625 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Private Franklin Earl Sigler, USMCR (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 260):

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 14 March 1945. Voluntarily taking command of his rifle squad when the leader became a casualty, Private Sigler fearlessly led a bold charge against an enemy gun installation which had held up the advance of his company for several days and, reaching the position in advance of others, assailed the emplacement with hand grenades and personally annihilated the entire crew. As additional Japanese troops opened fire from concealed tunnels and caves above, he quickly scaled the rocks leading to the attacking guns, surprised the enemy with a furious one-man assault and, although severely wounded in the encounter, deliberately crawled back to his squad position where he steadfastly refused evacuation, persistently directing heavy machine-gun and rocket barrages on the Japanese cave entrances. Undaunted by the merciless rain of hostile fire during the intensified action, he gallantly disregarded his own painful wounds to aid casualties, carrying three wounded squad members to safety behind the lines and returning to continue the battle with renewed determination until ordered to retire for medical treatment. Stout-hearted and indomitable in the face of extreme peril, Private Sigler, by his alert initiative, unfaltering leadership and daring tactics in a critical situation, effected the release of his besieged company from enemy fire and contributed essentially to its further advance against a savagely fighting enemy. His superb valor, resolute fortitude and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice throughout reflected the highest credit upon Private Sigler and the United States Naval Service."


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Page made 15 July 2006