Thomson in McDuffie County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Rear Admiral Richard Ellington Hawes

1894 – 1968

Photographed By David Seibert, May 14, 2011

1. Rear Admiral Richard Ellington Hawes Marker

Inscription. Rear Admiral Richard E. Hawes has long been revered as a distinguished native son of Thomson-McDuffie County, Georgia. Admiral Hawes is remembered for his exceptionally heroic and meritorious service while performing his duty in the United States Navy during the period June 1917 to December 1952. His outstanding leadership and loyal devotion to the combined concepts of naval and submarine operations contributed immeasurably to the defense of his nation over a span of 35 tumultuous years. He was twice awarded the Navy Cross for gallantry and was Commanding Officer of the USS Pigeon, the only surface warship to receive two Presidential Unit Citations during World War II. The national defense of the United States of America continues to be strengthened by his legacy of leadership. A grateful nation has named the USS Hawes, a guided missile frigate, in his honor. A mainstay in the ranks of America’s naval ships, the USS Hawes is testimony to the personal involvement and unique achievements of Admiral Hawes during peace and war.

Erected 1997 by Rear Admiral Richard E. Hawes Post 7778, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients

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series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 33° 28.183′ N, 82° 30.267′ W. Marker is in Thomson, Georgia, in McDuffie County. Marker is on Main Street (Georgia Route 17) 0 miles north of McDuffie Avenue, on the left when traveling north. The marker stands on the lawn of the McDuffie County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Thomson GA 30824, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thomas Edward Watson (here, next to this marker); McDuffie and Columbia Counties Confederate Monument (here, next to this marker); Nancy Hart Highway (a few steps from this marker); McDuffie County (within shouting distance of this marker); Sen. Thomas E. Watson (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodman of the World Supreme Sacrifice Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); VFW Post 6672 KIA Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); VFW Veterans Monument (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thomson.

Regarding Rear Admiral Richard Ellington Hawes. A Wikipedia biography of Admiral Hawes is here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_E._Hawes

The USS Hawes was decommissioned in 2010.

Photographed By David Seibert, May 14, 2011

2. Rear Admiral Richard Ellington Hawes Marker

Rear Admiral Richard Ellington Hawes image. Click for full size.

GeorgiaInfo (Galileo, the Digital Library of Georgia)

3. Rear Admiral Richard Ellington Hawes

USS Hawes (FFG 53) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Wikipedia

4. USS Hawes (FFG 53)

A ship bearing Admiral Hawes' name is the only ship in the U.S. Naval Fleet which can fly the pirate flag. (Wikipedia)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 800 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 11, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.