Lieutenant Richard Wainwright Jr. was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 21, 1914 in Vera Cruz, Mexico during the 1914 Veracruz expedition. Wainwright was 32 years old.
40 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Wainwright was born on September 15, 1881 in Washington, District of Columbia. Wainwright died on March 28, 1944 in Annapolis, Maryland, at the age of 62. He is buried at U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.
Wainwright is one of 56 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1914 Veracruz expedition and one of 34 credited to District of Columbia.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21-22 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War I.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Education: United States Naval Academy
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in District of Columbia →
Timeline
- September 15, 1881Born in Washington, District of Columbia
- April 21, 1914Act of valor — Vera Cruz, MexicoAge 32.
- March 28, 1944Died in Annapolis, MarylandAge 62.
- Resting placeU.S. Naval Academy CemeteryAnnapolis, Maryland
Biography
Richard Wainwright Jr. (September 15, 1881 – March 28, 1944), 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.
From the Wikipedia article “Richard Wainwright (Medal of Honor)”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
