McCOOL, RICHARD MILES,
    Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. LSC(L)(3) 122.
    Place and date: Off Okinawa, 10 and 11 June 1945. Entered service at: Oklahoma.
    Born: 4 January 1922, Tishomingo, Okla. Citation: 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 efforts 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 might 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.