Ingalls Shipbuilding christens new ship named after WWII veteran hero
By: Jasmine Lotts
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) - Saturday morning, folks gathered for a special christening ceremony at Ingalls Shipbuilding to celebrate years of hard work on the LPD 29.
However, it’s also a celebration for the heroic capabilities from U.S. Navy Captain Richard M. McCool Jr.
On this very day 77 years ago during WWII, the Medal of Honor recipient showed selflessness by saving captured sailors while he was severely burned from plane attacks in Okinawa.
McCool was only 23 at the time, but Lt. General David Bellon of United States Marine Corps Reserve said his courage earns the right for the ship to be named after him.
“He will inspire future generations. First, they have to fight. Then, they have to endure exceptional hardship and demonstrate selflessness throughout and lead. That’s exactly what he did as a young man,” said Bellon.
Claps thundered under the tent from folks young and old as a thank you for McCool’s bravery and shipbuilders four years of hard work.
Project manager of the ship’s design team, Tim Lister, said he’s amazed by how hard crews have come.
“It’s astonishing. You just have to take one step at the time. Some days it may feel like we’ll never get there but we have an amazing team out here. We work well together,” said Lister.
Officials said this type of ship makes number thirteen that Ingalls Shipbuilding provided for the Navy.
“This is a day we celebrate, and this is a day we will take this resource the American people gave us, and we will move forward on the planet to safeguard our way of life,” said Bellon.
This month marks 22 years that Ingalls have been building this kind of ship for the Navy.
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The article only has a video so I added the picture of the ship.
Some Mississippi Metal !
Great story and honors to Captain McCool.
I read in a comment on another site that said he saved people that were trapped on a ship and not captive.
I don't think it takes away from what he did.
Here is his Medal of Honor citation.
CITATION
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the USS LCS 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, Lieutenant 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 two 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 fire-fighting measures and then proceeded to the rescue of several trapped in a blazing compartment, subsequently carrying one 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, Lieutenant 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 United States Naval Service.”
Sounds like a hero to me.
Without a doubt.