This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Shaun Thomas (Underdog), OSC
to remember
Hawes, Richard (Spittin Dick), RADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Last Address Thomason
Date of Passing Dec 30, 1968
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
As he left the Western Pacific theater in January 1945, the Commander, Submarines, Philippine Sea Frontier sent Anthedon a message of thanks and good wishes, describing Commander Hawes and his men as "ever ready, ever fearless."
Hawes was promoted to Captain on March 25, 1945. On December 1, 1952 he was transferred to the retired list and promoted to Rear Admiral.
When America entered World War I in 1917, Hawes enlisted in the Navy as a Fireman Second Class. Fifteen months later he accepted a temporary appointment as an Ensign, but reverted to Boatswain (Warrant Officer) in 1920.
Interwar service
In March 1926 Hawes joined Falcon (ASR-2) as Executive Officer. While aboard Falcon he played a key role in the salvage of S-51 off Block Island, R.I. in September 1925. For his part in that difficult and dangerous operation Boatswain Hawes received his first Navy Cross. He also assisted in the salvaging of the submarine S-4, which sank off Provincetown, Mass. in December 1927.
On February 18, 1929, Hawes was commissioned an Ensign by a special act of the U.S. Congress in recognition of his services in salvaging the S-51 and S-4.
In January 1940 Lieutenant Hawes assumed command of Pigeon (ASR-6) and was serving in that role when the United States entered World War II.
