This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Kent Weekly (SS/DSV) (DBF), EMCS
to remember
Wainwright Jr., Richard (Dick), CDR USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Washington, District of Columbia
Last Address Annapolis, MD
Date of Passing Mar 28, 1944
Location of Interment Annapolis National Cemetery (VA) - Annapolis, Maryland
Richard Wainwright, Jr. was an officer in the United States Navy during World War I who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the 1914 Veracruz action.
Wainwright received orders to the battleship USS Florida (BB-30). While leading a landing party from that ship in battle at Veracruz, Mexico, he earned the Medal of Honor for his outstanding conduct on April 21-22, 1914.
In September 1914, Wainwright detached from the Florida with orders to the Naval Academy. He received a promotion to Lieutenant Commander on April 28, 1915. He served at the Naval Academy until his retirement. Wainwright retired from the Navy, with a physical disability, on March 3, 1921.
From November 1925 to January 1929, he served as Superintendent of the Navy Department Library.
During World War II, he was recalled to active duty in February 1942 and promoted to Commander.
Other Comments:
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."
Florida Class Battleship: Displacement 21,825 Tons, Dimensions, 521' 6" (oa) x 88' 3" x 30' 1" (Max)Armament 10 x 12"/45 16 x 5"/51, 2 x 21" tt. Armor, 11" Belt, 12" Turrets, 3" Decks, 11 1/2" Conning Tower. Machinery, 28,000 SHP; Direct Drive Turbines, 4 screws. Speed, 20.75 Knots, Crew 1001.
Operational and Building Data: Laid down by New York Naval Ship Yard, March 9, 1909. Launched May 12, 1910. Commissioned September 15, 1911. Decommissioned February 16, 1931. Stricken April 6, 1931.
Fate:Sold 16 February 1931 and broken up for scrap.
