Rear Admiral Frederick Lois Riefkohl, born in Maunabo, Puerto Rico, is the first Puerto Rican to graduate from the US Naval Academy and the first Puerto Rican to be awarded the Navy Cross, the second highest award after the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War I.
As a lieutenant, Riefkohl served as Commander of the Armed Guard of the USS Philadelphia. On August 2, 1917, a periscope was sighted and a torpedo passed under the stern of the ship. A shot was fired, which struck close to the submarine, which then disappeared. Lt. Riefkohl received the Navy Cross for his bravery.
After WWI, Riefkohl assumed command of the USS Vincennes during WWII until it was destroyed by the Japanese at the Battle of Savo Island.
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