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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

NH 95387-A Lieutenant Junior Grade Richard M. McCool, Jr., USN

Photo #: NH 95387-A  Lieutenant Junior Grade Richard M. McCool, Jr., USN
Description: Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy, page 227. Richard M. McCool Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of USS LCS 122 during operations against the Japanese in the Ryukyu Chain, 10-11 June 1945. On 10 June, his ship assisted in rescuing survivors of USS William D. Porter (DD-579). The next evening, when two Japanese kamikazes attacked, McCool's crew downed one of the enemy planes and damaged the second before it crashed into his vessel. Though wounded and suffering from severe burns, he led his men in fire fighting and the rescue of trapped crewmembers until other ships arrived and he was evacuated for treatment of his injuries. McCool was temporarily promoted to Lieutenant while in command of LCS 122. This photograph was taken after January 1946 when McCool's rank had reverted to Lieutenant Junior Grade. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
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