Powell Rhea graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1915. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.
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Powell Rhea graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1915. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Powell McCellan Rhea (NSN: 0-9030), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NEVADA (BB-36), in action against enemy forces during the invasion of Normandy, France, 6 June 1944; and during the bombardment of heavy enemy installations at Cherbourg, France, 25 June 1944. Cool and courageous in the face of persistent enemy fire from heavy shore batteries, Captain Rhea skillfully handled his ship, taking advantage of every opportunity to close the enemy and to direct the smashing broadsides of his guns against these coastal defenses. By his inspiring leadership and resolute determination under the most hazardous conditions, Captain Rhea aided in silencing these hostile batteries, thereby contributing essentially to the success of our troops in their initial advance against the enemy. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Powell McCellan Rhea (NSN: 0-9030), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NEVADA (BB-36), in action against enemy forces during the amphibious invasion of Southern France, in August 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his ship through dangerous mine-infested waters, Captain Rhea closed the hostile shore to within range of enemy defense positions in the area of the main Allied landings and, directing the devastating fire of his guns against these fortifications, assisted materially in the complete neutralization of these targets and in the initial establishment of the beachhead. Subsequently conducting vigorous bombardment missions against the coastal defenses commanding the vital approaches to the vital ports of Toulon and Marseilles, he contributed essentially to the silencing of several heavy enemy batteries and to the final occupation of these ports by the Allied forces. By his outstanding initiative, superb seamanship, and fearless leadership under fire, Captain Rhea upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.