Robert Lloyd Stearns

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Lloyd Stearns (0-114500), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron NINE (VC-9), embarked from the U.S.S. BOGUE (CVE-9), in action against an enemy submarine in the Atlantic Ocean on 4 October 1943. Flying his torpedo bomber on antisubmarine patrol, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Stearns sighted a concentration of four surfaced “U” Boats. Flashing word back to his carrier, he immediately closed in on the submarines for a bombing attack. In the face of furious antiaircraft fire from the four submarines, he launched an expert and daring run. Then he courageously remained in hazardous contact with the enemy to direct relief planes to the area. Upon arrival of other carrier planes, he skillfully coordinate their efforts for a concerted attack. In the ensuing well-planned action, he fought his bomber valiantly and scored devastating hits that possibly destroyed one of the submarines. Positive indications of the accuracy of his attack and the probably destruction of the submarine were furnished by the large number of floating objects and the heavy oil slick seen on the surface afterwards. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Stearns’ superb airmanship and invincible fighting spirit were an inspiration to his comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Lloyd Stearns (0-114500), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron NINE (VC-9), embarked from the U.S.S. BOGUE (CVE-9), in action against an enemy submarine in the Atlantic Ocean on 23 July 1943. Although rain and light mist necessitated frequent instrument flying, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Stearns launched an immediate attack when the hostile undersea craft was sighted in the waters below. Skillfully maneuvering his plane for maximum striking power despite intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, he accurately released several depth bombs which exploded at the stern of the submarine, causing fatal detonation aboard the hostile ship. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Stearns’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.