CentralNotice From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search Richard E. Byrd Byrd in 1928 Birth name Richard Evelyn Byrd, Jr. Born ( 1888-10-25 ) October 25, 1888 Winchester, Virginia Died March 11, 1957 ( 1957-03-11 ) (aged 68) Boston, Massachusetts Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery Allegiance United States Service/branch United States Navy Years of service 1912–1927 1940–1947 Rank Rear Admiral Battles/wars World War I World War II Awards Medal of Honor Navy Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Flying Cross Legion of Merit Congressional Gold Medal Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, Jr. , USN (25 October 1888 – 11 March 1957) was an American naval officer who specialized in feats of exploration. He was a pioneering American aviator, polar explorer, and organizer of pola...