By John Patterson.

Alexander Ramsey Nininger, Jr., or “Sandy” as he was known, grew up in Florida where he was quite active in school activities. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in May of 1941, and as a second lieutenant, was posted to the Philippines in November of that year, where he was assigned to the 57th Infantry Regiment (PS).

My uncle's Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously for actions near Abucay, Bataan, which resulted in his death on January 12, 1942. Because Sandy's company was not engaged in combat, he voluntarily attached himself to another unit that was being attacked by the Japanese. In the words of the Medal of Honor citation, "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 three 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, one enemy officer and two enemy soldiers lay dead around him."

My uncle's heroism has been commemorated in a number of ways including the naming of a building at West Point and erection of a statue in his home town of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. And, of course, the "quiet hero" lives on in the hearts of his family and those who knew him.

Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, 57th Infantry, Philippine Scouts, U.S. Army.
Place and date: Near Abucay, Bataan, Philippine Islands, January 12, 1942.
Entered service at: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Born: Gainesville, Georgia.

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 recapture of the position, 1 enemy officer and 2 enemy soldiers lay dead around him.