Robert Frank Herrick

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Frank Herrick, Chief Specialist, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while in charge of a Scout Boat from the Transport Ship U.S.S. DOROTHEA L. DIX during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from November 8 to 11, 1942. Preceding the assault on Safi on 8 November Herrick skillfully maneuvered his boat in complete darkness from the transport area eight miles off the coast into position near a landing beach, from which he guided incoming waves of assault troops by prescribed signals to their proper destination. Despite the delay in arrival of the. initial boat waves, the imminent danger of attack from hostile craft, and fire from other enemy forces, Herrick gallantly held his position for nine perilous hours until his mission was completed.