John Otto Siegel (April 21, 1892 – August 15, 1943) was a United States Navy Boatswain's Mate Second Class who earned the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism while serving on board of the during World War I. Early life John Otto Siegel was the adopted son of Julius N. Siegel and Annie Vance, both of Germany. John was brought to the US from Germany arriving in New York via Canada in October 1899 with his mother and father. They lived for a short time in Winnipeg, Manitoba where Julius, listed as a Roman Catholic, worked as an architect. By 1903, Julius Siegel was living in Milwaukee and still working as an architect. By 1905, John and his mother are also with Julius in Milwaukee. Naval career First enlistment Siegel enlisted with the Navy on 21 May 1909 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his parents consent just after turning 17 years of age. Siegel spent his first 7 months of service serving aboard as an "Ordinary Seaman" during the year of 1909. In 1910 Siegel transfers to for a month then he transfers to which was docked at Hampton Roads, Virginia in 1909 for modifications. During this time he spends 25 days in Norfolk Naval Hospital suffering from dementia. Siegel continued to live with his aging parents at 418 12th Street Milwaukee, WI. In December 1910 he transfers to where he remains until June 1911. In 1911, Siegel is shown as an "agent" and still living with his father in Milwaukee. By the end of June he is working aboard where he will serve the remainder of his first enlistment. In 1912, Siegel now is listed as a "sailor" at the same address with his parents. On 22 September 1912, John married his first wife Teresa Rose Neilas, age 19 years. The marriage took place at St. James Catholic Church, Newark, New Jersey. The parents of John are listed as Julius Siegel and Anna Vance and the parents of Teresa are listed as John Neilas and Margaret Buckley. John and Theresa moved to 156 Green Street in Newark, New Jersey. Just two days after the marriage Siegel went on leave and was set to return to USS North Dakota on the morning of September 25, 1912. Siegel failed to return to duty and was wanted for desertion. On 23 January 1915 a reward was posted for Siegel giving his last known