O’Rourke, Vincent Patrick
- Date of birth:
- May 19th, 1922 (New York City, United States)
- Date of death:
- July 14th, 2011
- Service number:
- 0-320529
- Nationality:
- American (1776 - present, Republic)
Biography
Vincent Patrick O'Rourke was born on May 19th, 1922 as son to Francis and Alice O'Rourke.
Promotions:
October 1st, 1943: Ensign;
?: Lieutenant (junior grade);
January 1st, 1949: Lieutenant;
July 1st, 1959: Commander;
December 1st, 1964: Captain.
Career:
1940: Aeronautical Engineering, Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute;
July 27th, 1942: US Navy;
?: Composite Squadron 89 (VC-89);
?: Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74);
?: Torpedo Squadron 47 (VT-47);
?: Executive Officer, Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124);
?: Commanding Officer Fighter Squadron 96 (VF-96);
?: Commanding Officer Fighter Squadron 142 (VF-142);
1964: Executive Officer USS Oriskany (CVA-34);
?: Air Officer USS Oriskany (CVA-34);
December 1964: Commanding Officer USS Oriskany (CVA-34);
August 5th, 1966: Commanding Officer USS Rainier (AE-5);
August 26th, 1970: Commanding Officer USS Tripoli (LPH-10).
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Navy Cross
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Lieutenant (junior grade)
- Unit:
- Torpedo Squadron 47 (VT-47), U.S.S. Bataan (CVL-29), U.S. Navy
- Awarded on:
- July 6th, 1945
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FORTY-SEVEN (VT-47), attached to the U.S.S. Bataan (CVL-29), in action against units of the Japanese Fleet in Kobe Bay, Honshu, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Skillfully maneuvering to locate his target under a heavy enemy smoke screen, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, O'Rourke launched an attack on a large Japanese carrier and, in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, scored several direct hits on the vessel. By his courage under fire, skilled airmanship and determination in the completion of his mission, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, O'Rourke contributed materially to the success of the attack in removing a menace to our own Fleet operations. His devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force: Serial 0948 (July 6, 1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Lieutenant (junior grade)
- Unit:
- Torpedo Squadron 47 (VT-47), U.S.S. Bataan (CVL-29), U.S. Navy
- Awarded on:
- September 20th, 1945
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FORTY-SEVEN (VT-47), attached to the U.S.S. Bataan (CVL-29), in action against powerful units of the Japanese Fleet at Kure Harbor, Honshu Island, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Braving intense and accurate anti-aircraft gunfire from shore batteries and several Naval units in the vicinity, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, O'Rourke vigorously pressed home an attack against the enemy heavy cruiser Tone and, despite a heavy barrage of protective gunfire from the vessel, succeeded in scoring two hits on the port quarter and amidships abaft the stacks. His courage and devotion to duty contributed materially to her sinking immediately after the attack and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01880 (September 20, 1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- - Douglas C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
- History Air Group 47
Photo
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