Richard Wainwright (World War I naval officer)
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| Richard Wainwright | |
|---|---|
| September 15, 1881 – March 28, 1944 (aged 62) | |
 Richard Wainwright, Medal of Honor recipient |
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| Place of birth | Washington, D.C. |
| Place of death | Annapolis, Maryland |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/branch |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1903-1921 |
| Rank | Commander |
| Commands held | USS Florida |
| Battles/wars | Veracruz (1914) |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Relations | son of Admiral Richard Wainwright |
Commander Richard Wainwright (15 September 1881 – 28 March 1944) was an officer in the United States Navy during World War I who was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the 1914 Veracruz action.
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[edit] Biography
Born in Washington, D.C., he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1903, and served on board battleship Louisiana during that ship's participation in the voyage of the Great White Fleet around the world from 1907 to 1909. Wainwright was awarded the Medal of Honor for his outstanding conduct in battle while commanding a landing force from battleship Florida at Vera Cruz, Mexico, on 21 and 22 April 1914.
He retired from the Navy as a Commander on physical disability on 3 March 1921 and died in Annapolis, Maryland on 28 March 1944.
He is buried in the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Lt. Wainwright was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion; was in the fighting of both days, and exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through action. In seizing the customhouse, he encountered for many hours the heaviest and most pernicious concealed fire of the entire day, but his courage and coolness under trying conditions were marked.
[edit] Namesakes
Three ships have been named USS Wainwright for his father Richard, his grandfather and two cousins.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
- Richard Wainwright (World War I naval officer) at Find A Grave
- Wainwright. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. Retrieved on 2006-07-07.
