World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born in Gainesville, Georgia, and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where his father owned two movie theatres. Nicknamed "Sandy" as a youth, he spoke French fluently, loved classical music, and wrote poetry in secret. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in June 1941. At the start of the war, he served as a Second Lieutenant in the Philippine Scouts, Company A, 1st Battalion, 57th Infantry, United States Army, and was killed in action at Bataan. His citation reads, "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. 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." General Douglas MacArthur recommended him for the CMOH and it was posthumously awarded by President Roosevelt on January 29, 1942. He was the first United States soldier to receive this honor for actions in World War II. He was buried at the Church Cemetery in Abucay. After the war, Nininger's name was mistakenly inscribed on the Wall of the Missing at Manila's ABMC Cemetery. There is also a cenotaph for him at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, the First Division of Cadet Barracks at West Point is named in his honor, and the Alexander R. Nininger Award is presented to West Point graduates who have displayed valor in combat.

He is honored in the following locations:
View burial in the Philippines with family links here.
View Cenotaph at Arlington National Cemetery here.
View Memorial Site (Manila American Cemetery and Memorial) here.
View Memorial Site (National World War II Memorial) here.