Wainright Jr,. Richard
Commander Richard Wainwright, Jr., USN, (Retired), (1881-1944)
Richard Wainwright Jr. was born on 15 September 1881 in Washington, D.C. Appointed "at large" from the District of Columbia to the U.S. Naval Academy, he graduated in May 1902. For his two-year required Midshipman sea duty, he served on board USS Indiana and USS Chauncey, where he was commissioned an Ensign in May 1904. After a period of sick leave in December 1905, he returned to sea on board USS Texas then transferred to USS Louisiana.
Remaining at sea, Wainwright received orders to USS Connecticut and participated in the World Cruise with the Great White Fleet. In May 1907, he was promoted to Lieutenant. In October 1909, he reported to the Washington Navy Yard at Washington, D.C.. In September 1911, he was assigned to USS Florida and later participated in the intervention at Vera Cruz, Mexico. On 21-22 April 1914, while under heavy concealed gun fire by the enemy, he courageously and coolly led his battalion while seizing and maintaining control of the customhouse. For his "distinguished conduct in battle" on this occasion, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
In September 1914,Wainwright was assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he remained for the rest of his active career. In April 1915, he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. In March 1921, he retired and was placed on the retired list. During World War II, he was recalled to active duty in February 1942 and promoted to Commander. Richard Wainwright Jr. died on 28 March 1944 and is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery, Annapolis, Maryland.
USS Wainwright, (CG-28), 1966-1993, was named in honor of Commander Richard Wainwright, Jr.
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