Alexander R. Nininger

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Alexander R. Nininger Jr. (b. 1918 - d. 1942-01-12) was a Second Lieutenant of the Philippine Scouts who received the Medal of Honor during World War II.

1 Biography
2 Medal of Honor Citation
3 Honors and legacy
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Biography

Nininger, nicknamed "Sandy", was born in Gainsville, Georgia in 1918. He attended the U.S. Military Academy and graduated in May of 1941. After being commissioned a Lieutenant he was sent to the Philippines and was attached to the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts. During the first month of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, Nininger voluntarily joined another company because his unit was not yet engaged in combat. He was posthusmously awarded the medal of honor for actions near Abucay, Bataan on January 12, 1942. He was killed just shy of his 24th birthday.

[edit] Medal of Honor 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 handgrenades 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 recapture of the position, 1 enemy officer and 2 enemy soldiers lay dead around him."

[edit] Honors and legacy

The First Division of Cadet Barracks at West Point is named in his honor. Two transport ships were named in honor of Nininger: APC-117 was laid down as Alexander R. Nininger and a Victory ship was named USAT Lt. Alexander R. Nininger. Nininger was the first West Point graduate to receive the Medal of Honor in WWII. His home town of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida also erected a statue in his honor. Alexander “Sandy” Nininger State Veterans’ Nursing Home is in Pembroke Pines, Florida, near Ft. Lauderdale.