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Richard Merrill Rowell
Born (1916-08-06)August 6, 1916
Died May 8, 1942(1942-05-08) (aged 25)
Place of birth Sonoma, California
Place of death at sea Coral Sea
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Naval Reserve
Years of service 1939–1942
Rank Ensign
Unit Lexington (CV-2)
Battles/wars World War II
*Battle of the Coral Sea
Awards Distinguished Flying Cross
with Gold Star added

Richard 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 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.

References[]

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
All or a portion of this article consists of text from Wikipedia, and is therefore Creative Commons Licensed under GFDL.
The original article can be found at Richard M. Rowell and the edit history here.