Vincent O'Rourke

Vincent Patrick O'Rourke (19 May 192214 July 2011) was a World War II United States naval aviator in the Pacific theater and two time recipient of the Navy Cross, the Navy's second highest award for valor after the Medal of Honor. After the war, he was commanding officer of a number of aviation units as well as and .

Background and education Vincent Patrick O'Rourke was born on 19 May 1922 in New York City He also received a Master of Science degree from Purdue University.

He served as a pilot with torpedo squadron 47 (VT-47) on flying a TBM-3 Avenger and was awarded a number of medals for valor including two Navy Cross medals and a Bronze star.

He served as executive officer of fighter squadron VF-124 and Commanding officer of fighter squadrons VF-96 and VF-142 prior to 1964. He became a captain in December 1964. O'Rourke was commanding officer of from 26 August 1970 to 10 September 1971.

O'Rourke retired to Coronado, California, in July 1974 and was a consultant in the US, Europe and Middle East. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, section 55, grave 3495 on 11 October 2012.

Awards During his career in the Navy, O'Rourke received the Navy Cross with Gold Star for second award, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with valor device, Air Medal with 4 Gold Stars for subsequent awards and the Meritorious Service Medal. 1 January 1949 Lieutenant. 1 July 1959 Commander. 1 December 1964 Captain. July 1974 Captain, Retired.