McCOOL, RICHARD MILES - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. LSC(L)(3) 122.
Place and date: Off Okinawa, 10 and 11 June 1945. Entered service at: Oklahoma.
Birth: 4 January 1922, Tishomingo, Okla. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
as commanding officer of the U.S.S. LSC(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.
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