World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was a 1935 graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. During World War II he served as a Lieutenant and Officer-in-Charge of the Engineering Repair Party on board the aircraft carrier "USS Yorktown". He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in in action against Japanese forces during the May 8, 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea. His citation reads "For extraordinary and distinguished gallantry above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of the Engineering Repair Party of the U.S.S. Yorktown in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. During the severe bombarding of the Yorktown by enemy Japanese forces, an aerial bomb passed through and exploded directly beneath the compartment in which Lt. Ricketts' battle station was located, killing, wounding or stunning all of his men and mortally wounding him. Despite his ebbing strength, Lt. Ricketts promptly opened the valve of a near-by fireplug, partially led out the fire hose and directed a heavy stream of water into the fire before dropping dead beside the hose. His courageous action, which undoubtedly prevented the rapid spread of fire to serious proportions, and his unflinching devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.". Lieutenant Ricketts was buried at sea, and his Medal was awarded to him posthumously. In addition to his cenotaph at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, his name is also listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines.
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was a 1935 graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. During World War II he served as a Lieutenant and Officer-in-Charge of the Engineering Repair Party on board the aircraft carrier "USS Yorktown". He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in in action against Japanese forces during the May 8, 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea. His citation reads "For extraordinary and distinguished gallantry above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of the Engineering Repair Party of the U.S.S. Yorktown in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. During the severe bombarding of the Yorktown by enemy Japanese forces, an aerial bomb passed through and exploded directly beneath the compartment in which Lt. Ricketts' battle station was located, killing, wounding or stunning all of his men and mortally wounding him. Despite his ebbing strength, Lt. Ricketts promptly opened the valve of a near-by fireplug, partially led out the fire hose and directed a heavy stream of water into the fire before dropping dead beside the hose. His courageous action, which undoubtedly prevented the rapid spread of fire to serious proportions, and his unflinching devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.". Lieutenant Ricketts was buried at sea, and his Medal was awarded to him posthumously. In addition to his cenotaph at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, his name is also listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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