Kevin Shawn Rux was born on Oct. 31, 1969 to Sandra Flanagan.

He graduated from May Port High School in Mayville, North Dakota, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Oct. 25, 1988.

Following Basic Training in Orlando, Florida, and training at Naval Technical Training Command in Pensacola, Florida, he reported to USS Taylor (FFG 50) on July 5, 1989. He returned to Naval Technical Training Command in January 1991, and then was assigned to USS Deyo (DD 989) on Oct. 22, 1991. Beginning on Nov. 2, 1994, he was a student at Naval Technical Training Center Det. Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. On Jan. 10, 1995, he reported to Submarine Base New London, Connecticut, where he was stationed until Jan. 9, 1998. He reported to USS Cole (DDG 67) on Dec. 15, 1999.

Rux was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen on Oct. 12, 2000.

Petty Officer Rux was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of electronic warfare technician 1st class. He held numerous awards and decorations, including the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy “E” Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon.

From: https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/Organization/Operational-Forces/Destroyers/USS-Cole-DDG-67/Commemoration/Cole-Heroes/Article/2362954/kevin-s-rux/

KEVIN SHAWN RUX

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