An officially named Commendation Medal to Rear Admiral Richard L. Fowler, USN. This medal was awarded posthumously to Admiral Fowler for meritorious service as Commander, Patrol Force, Seventh Fleet off Vietnam in 1965. Sadly, Admiral Fowler died in a house fire in 1967. His premature death probably prompted the award of the Commendation Medal, a decoration that is normally restricted to those below Flag Rank.
Admiral Fowler was also a WWII Navy Cross recipient, which was awarded for heroism as commanding officer of Composite Squadron Five (on the aircraft carrier USS Kitkun Bay) during the battle off Samar on 25 October 1944 (part of the larger battle of Leyte Gulf). In addition the Admiral had the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with four gold stars. He was a 1936 graduate of the Naval Academy. The location of the Admiral's other medals is unknown. Extensive photocopied research is included with the medal.