Richard O'Kane

Richard Hetherington O'Kane
Commander Richard O'Kane, c. 1946
Born(1911-02-02)February 2, 1911
Dover, New Hampshire, U.S.
DiedFebruary 16, 1994(1994-02-16) (aged 83)
Petaluma, California, U.S.
Buried
AllegianceUnited States United States of America
Service / branch United States Navy
Years of service1931–1957
Rank Rear Admiral
CommandsSubmarine Squadron Seven
USS Sperry
Submarine Division 32
USS Pelias
USS Tang
Battles / warsWorld War II
AwardsMedal of Honor
Navy Cross (3)
Silver Star (3)
Legion of Merit
Purple Heart
Navy Commendation Ribbon
Spouse(s)Ernestine Groves

Richard Hetherington O'Kane (February 2, 1911 – February 16, 1994) was a United States Navy submarine commander in World War II, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for commanding USS Tang in the Pacific War against Japan to the most successful record of any United States submarine ever. He also received three Navy Crosses and three Silver Stars, for a total of seven awards of the United States military's three highest decorations for valor in combat. Before commanding Tang, O'Kane served in the highly successful USS Wahoo as executive officer and approach officer under noted Commander Dudley "Mush" Morton. In his ten combat patrols, five in Wahoo and five commanding Tang, O'Kane participated in more successful attacks on Japanese shipping than any other submarine officer during the war.