Rear Admiral Richard Ellington Hawes

Rear Admiral Richard E. Hawes was a distinguished native of Thomson-McDuffie County, Georgia, remembered for exceptionally heroic and meritorious service in the United States Navy from June 1917 to December 1952. His leadership and loyal devotion to combined naval and submarine operations contributed greatly to the defense of the United States over 35 tumultuous years. He received the Navy Cross twice for gallantry and served as commanding officer of the USS Pigeon, the only surface warship to receive two Presidential Unit Citations during World War II. His legacy of leadership continued to strengthen national defense, and the guided missile frigate USS Hawes was named in his honor as testimony to his personal involvement and unique achievements in peace and war.

Thomson, Georgia · United States