Richard Hetherington O'Kane | |
|---|---|
 Commander Richard O'Kane, c. 1946 | |
| Born | February 2, 1911 Dover, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Died | February 16, 1994 (aged 83) Petaluma, California, U.S. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1931–1957 |
| Rank |  Rear Admiral |
| Commands | Submarine Squadron Seven USS Sperry Submarine Division 32 USS Pelias USS Tang |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal 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.