A compression latch assembly for latching a panel to a frame includes a housing assembly, a lockplug assembly, a handle actuator assembly, and a rotating pawl assembly. The housing assembly defines an exterior well and a first and second compartment. The lockplug assembly resides within the first compartment and includes a lockplug having a circumferential guide surface. The handle actuator assembly has a handle within the exterior well, a crank coupled to the handle, and a drive shaft coupled to the crank. The handle and the crank rotate about common pivot point within the second compartment. The handle is selectively captured and ejected by interaction between the circumferential guide surface and a locking pin on the handle. The rotating pawl assembly has a hook defining a slot that receives the drive shaft. Pivotal movement of the handle actuates the hook by movement of the drive shaft within the slot.