- Richard M. Rowell
Infobox Military Person
name = Richard Merrill Rowell
lived = birth date|1916|8|6 – death date and age|1942|5|8|1916|8|6
placeofbirth =Sonoma, California
placeofdeath = at seaCoral Sea
caption =
nickname =
serviceyears = 1939–1942
rank = Ensign
allegiance = United States of America
branch =United States Naval Reserve
unit = "Lexington" (CV-2)
battles =World War II *Battle of the Coral Sea
awards = Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star addedRichard Merrill Rowell was born in
Sonoma, California ,6 August 1916 .Navy career
Enlisted in the
U.S. Naval Reserve 8 August 1939 , he was commissioned ensign20 August 1940 . He reported for duty as a fighter pilot toUSS Lexington (CV-2) on5 November 1940 .Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
"Rowell" received the Distinguished Flying Cross for downing a Japanese plane
20 February 1942 . During theBattle of the Coral Sea 7 to8 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 down18 August 1943 byBrown Shipbuilding Co.,Houston, Texas ; Launched17 November 1943 ; Sponsored by Mrs. Agnes M. Rowell; and commissioned9 March 1944 , Lt. Comdr. Harry A. Barnard, Jr., in command.References
* [http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/escorts/de403.htm Richard Merrill Rowell]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.