Army Ranger Private First Class Richard W. Kowalewski, Jr., 20, of Crucible, Pennsylvania, served with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He died on October 3, 1993, during the Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia (“Black Hawk Down”). While driving a convoy through intense enemy fire, an undetonated rocket-propelled grenade penetrated his vehicle and fatally wounded him. He was posthumously promoted to Specialist (SPC) and awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

SPC Kowalewski graduated from Jefferson-Morgan High School where friends knew him for his athletic ability, determination, and adventurous spirit. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1992, completed basic training at Fort Benning, earned his Airborne wings, and was selected for the elite 75th Ranger Regiment before deploying to Somalia.

Fellow Rangers remembered him as a dependable teammate who never hesitated to volunteer for difficult missions. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, and in 2015 Pennsylvania dedicated the Army Specialist Richard W. Kowalewski, Jr. Memorial Bridge in his honor, ensuring his service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

SPC Kowalewski was survived by his parents.