Tishomingo in Johnston County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Richard Miles McCool Jr.
Lieutenant, US Navy - World War II
— Born 4 January 1922 Tishomingo, Okla. —
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. LSC(L)(3)-122. During operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu chain, 10 and 11 June 1945. Sharply vigilant during hostile air raids against allied ships on radar picket duty off Okinawa on 10 June, Lt. McCool aided materially in evacuating all survivors from a sinking destroyer which had sustained mortal damage under the devastating attacks. When his own craft was attacked simultaneously by 2 of the enemy’s suicide squadron early in the evening of 11 June, he instantly hurled the full power of his gun batteries against the plunging aircraft, shooting down the first and damaging the second before it crashed his station in the conning tower and engulfed the immediate area in a mass of flames. Although suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he rallied his concussion-shocked crew and initiated vigorous firefighting measures and then proceeded to the rescue of several trapped in a blazing compartment, subsequently carrying 1 man to safety despite the excruciating pain of additional severe burns. Unmindful of all personal danger he continued his effort without respite until aid arrived from other ships and he was evacuated. By his staunch leadership capable direction and indomitable determination throughout the crisis, Lt. McCool saved the lives of many who otherwise would have perished and contributed materially to the saving of his ship for further combat service. His valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of extreme peril sustains and enhances the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Erected by Chickasaw Historical Society and Chickasaw Nation.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant day of the year for for this entry is May 31.
Location. 34° 14.118′ N, 96° 40.961′ W. Marker is in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, in Johnston County. Memorial is at the intersection of South Capital Avenue and West 12th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Capital Avenue. The marker is located in a small Memorial park at the base of the flagpole. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tishomingo OK 73460, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lest We Forget - World War I (here, next to this marker); Lest We Forget - World War II (here, next to this marker); Lest We Forget - Korea (here, next to this marker); Lest We Forget - Vietnam (here, next to this marker); Lest We Forget - Persian Gulf (here, next to this marker); CDR. Clarence "Smokey" Tolbert USN (a few steps from this marker); Lest We Forget (a few steps from this marker); Good Springs (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tishomingo.
Also see . . . Richard Miles McCool.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, he was accepted into a new Navy ROTC program, and later was appointed to the Naval Academy. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1944 (his class of 1945 graduated a year early). By June 10, 1945, he was serving as a lieutenant on USS LCS(L)(3)-122, a Landing Craft Support ship. On that day, off the coast of Okinawa Island, McCool helped rescue the survivors of sinking destroyer USS William D. Porter. The next day, his own ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze. Although he suffered severe burns and shrapnel wounds in the initial explosion, McCool continued to lead his crew in the firefighting and rescue efforts until relief arrived. Source: Wikipedia(Submitted on December 14, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 140 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 14, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.