Robert James Hardy

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert James Hardy, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HALFORD (DD-480), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Surigao Strait during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on the night of 24 – 25 October 1944. When PT Boats opened fire on a formidable column of Japanese ships, Commander Hardy placed the HALFORD in an advantageous striking position despite extremely hazardous conditions, and, launching his deadly torpedoes with precise timing in a sudden, coordinated attack, surprised the enemy and rendered him vulnerable to smashing blows from our heavy naval units. Subsequently retiring without damage from the furious engagement which resulted in the sinking of two battleships and three destroyers before effective fire could be brought to bear upon our task force, Commander Hardy contributed in large measure to eliminating an imminent and dangerous threat to our transports and other ships in Leyte Gulf. Commander Hardy’s high professional skill, forceful leadership, and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 343 (October 1945)