Years of service 1939–1942 Rank Ensign | Unit Lexington (CV-2) Name Richard Rowell | |
Born August 6, 1916
Sonoma, California ( 1916-08-06 ) Died May 8, 1942(1942-05-08) (aged 25)
at sea Coral Sea Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Naval Reserve | ||
Richard Merrill Rowell was born in Sonoma, California, 6 August 1916.
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Navy career
Enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve 8 August 1939, he was commissioned ensign 20 August 1940. He reported for duty as a fighter pilot to USS Lexington (CV-2) on 5 November 1940.
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
Rowell received the Distinguished Flying Cross for downing a Japanese plane 20 February 1942. During the Battle of the Coral Sea 7 to 8 May 1942, he won a gold star in lieu of a second Distinguished Flying Cross, before failing to return from his last mission.
Namesake
USS Richard M. Rowell (DE-403) was named in his honor. She was laid down 18 August 1943 by Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Texas; Launched 17 November 1943; Sponsored by Mrs. Agnes M. Rowell; and commissioned 9 March 1944, Lt. Comdr. Harry A. Barnard, Jr., in command.