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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

USS LSSL-122
ex
 USS LCS(L)(3)-122) (1944 - 1949)


Lieutenant Richard Miles McCool, JR. United States Navy
Lieutenant Richard M. McCool, Jr. was born on January 4, 1922 in Oklahoma. McCool graduated from high school at the age of 15. He graduated 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 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 on the 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.

 

CITATION

 

The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to LIEUTENANT RICHARD MILES MCCOOL, JR United States Navy for service set forth in the following citation:

 

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above the

call of duty as commanding officer of the USS LCS 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, Lieutenant McCool aided materially in evacuating all survivors from a sinking destroyer which had sustained mortal damage after the devastating attacks. When his own craft was attacked simultaneously by two 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 one 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,  Lieutenant 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 tradition of the United States Naval Service.

Harry S. Truman

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