Commander Richard Wainwright (15 September 1881 – 28 March 1944), son of Admiral Richard Wainwright, was an officer in the United States Navy during World War I.

Born in Washington, D.C., Wainwright graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1903, and served on board battleship Louisiana during that ship's participation in the voyage of the Great White Fleet around the world from 1907 to 1909. Wainwright was awarded the Medal of Honor for his outstanding conduct in battle while commanding a landing force from battleship Florida at Vera Cruz, Mexico, on 21 and 22 April 1914.

He retired from the Navy on physical disability on 3 March 1921 and died at Annapolis, Maryland, on 28 March 1944.

MOH citation

For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Lt. Wainwright was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion; was in the fighting of both days, and exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through action. In seizing the customhouse, he encountered for many hours the heaviest and most pernicious concealed fire of the entire day, but his courage and coolness under trying conditions were marked.

Three ships have been named USS Wainwright for Richard, his father, his grandfather and two cousins.