Navy’s Newest LPD to be Named in Honor of WWII Medal of Honor Recipient

The Navy News Service reports that SecNav Richard Spencer has announced the Navy’s newest San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, LPD 29, will be named in honor of Navy veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr.

He was born on 04 January 1922 in Oklahoma. He graduated from high school at the age of 15, and from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in political science.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, he was accepted into a new Navy ROTC program, and later then was appointed to the Naval Academy. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1944 (his class of 1945 graduated a year early).

By June 10, 1945, he was serving as a lieutenant, commanding USS LCS(L)(3)-122, a Landing Craft Support ship. On that day, off the coast of Okinawa Island, McCool helped rescue the survivors of sinking destroyer USS William D. Porter, (DD-579). The next day, his own ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze. Although he suffered severe burns and shrapnel wounds in the initial explosion, McCool continued to lead his crew in the firefighting and rescue efforts until relief arrived.

He continued to serve in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired at the rank of Captain in 1974 after a 30-year career. McCool passed of natural causes on 05 March 2008, at the age of 86 in a hospital in Bremerton, Washington.

On 18 December 1945, President Harry S. Truman presented McCool with the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism.

Lieutenant McCool’s official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the USS LCS(L)(3)-122 during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu chain, 10 and 11 June 1945. Sharply vigilant during hostile air raids against Allied ships on radar picket duty off Okinawa on 10 June, Lt. McCool aided materially in evacuating all survivors from a sinking destroyer which had sustained mortal damage under the devastating attacks. When his own craft was attacked simultaneously by 2 of the enemy’s suicide squadron early in the evening of 11 June, he instantly hurled the full power of his gun batteries against the plunging aircraft, shooting down the first and damaging the second before it crashed his station in the conning tower and engulfed the immediate area in a mass of flames. Although suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he rallied his concussion-shocked crew and initiated vigorous firefighting measures and then proceeded to the rescue of several trapped in a blazing compartment, subsequently carrying 1 man to safety despite the excruciating pain of additional severe burns. Unmindful of all personal danger, he continued his efforts without respite until aid arrived from other ships and he was evacuated. By his staunch leadership, capable direction, and indomitable determination throughout the crisis, Lt. McCool saved the lives of many who otherwise might have perished and contributed materially to the saving of his ship for further combat service. His valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of extreme peril sustains and enhances the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

The Navy returns to the tradition of naming warships after significant events, places, and most importantly, people. It’s a welcome change from the previous administration’s practices.

Category: Navy