Frederick Lois Riefkohl

Frederick Lois Riefkohl
United States Naval Academy midshipman Frederick Lois Riefkohl
Riefkohl was the first Puerto Rican to graduate from the United States Naval Academy
Born(1889-02-27)February 27, 1889
Maunabo, Puerto Rico
DiedSeptember 1969 (aged 80)
Brevard County, Florida
Place of burial
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branch United States Navy
Years of service1911-1947
Rank Rear Admiral
Battles / warsWorld War I
World War II
AwardsNavy Cross
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Purple Heart

Rear Admiral Frederick Lois Riefkohl[needs IPA] (February 27, 1889 – September 1969), a native of Maunabo, Puerto Rico, was an officer in the United States Navy and the first Puerto Rican to graduate from the United States Naval Academy and to be awarded the Navy Cross. The Navy Cross is the second highest medal, after the Medal of Honor, that can be awarded by the U.S. Navy for heroism or distinguished service. He was a World War I Navy Cross recipient who served as Captain of the USS Vincennes during World War II.