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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
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.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
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