Career
Rinehart enlisted in the United States. Naval Reserve 30 April 1937, was appointed aviation cadet 22 July 1937, designated naval aviator 8 June 1938, appointed ensign for aviation duties in the United States. Naval Reserve ranking from 1 August 1938, commissioned ensign in the United States Navy ranking from 1 June 1939. And appointed lieutenant (junior grade) for temporary service ranking from 1 November 1941. He was assigned successively to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida.
Bombing Squadron 2 on board United States Ship Lexington (CV-2).
And Fighting Squadron 2 again on board Lexington. His plane failed to return 8 May 1942.
United States Ship Rinehart (Delaware-196) was named in Lieutenant Rinehart"s honor. The ship was laid down by the Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newark, New Jersey, 21 October 1943.
Launched 9 January 1944.
Sponsored by Mistress Dorothy Ruth Rinehart. And commissioned at New York 12 February 1944.