- SURNAME
Rockwell
- FORENAME
Dean Ladrath
- UNIT
U.S.N.R. Group Commander LCT Scout boats
- RANK
Lieutenant Junior Grade
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Navy Cross, Croix de Guerre avec palm (France)
- PLACE
Normandy 1944
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from East Detroit, Michigan
born 25.5.1912 Corey, Cass County, Michigan
father Clive B. Rockwell (1885-1976)
mother Edith L. (nee Riffenberg) Rockwell (1890-1980)
graduated Three Rivers High School 1930
graduated Michigan State Normal College 1935
27.12.1941 married Mary J. (nee Ferrington) Rockwell (1919-1996)
entered service 17.5.1942
Scouts and Raiders
school sports coach and professional wrestler postwar
died 8.8.2005 Ann Arbor, Michigan
Harwood Lake Cemetery, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Dean Ladrath Rockwell, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Group Commander of LCT Scout Boats carrying tanks to the beaches during the amphibious assault on the Normandy Coast of France on 6 June 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Rockwell, in the face of very heavy enemy fire, discharged the tanks on the ground. By quick and sound decision he was able to land all these tanks at the correct spot and, by skillful handling, incurred only a minimum of damage to his ships. The conduct of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Rockwell throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/21500FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/170800164/dean-ladrath-rockwell
Last edited by a moderator: