Robert Halperin

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Lieutenant Commander Robert Halperin, United States Naval Reserve. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the United States Naval Unit SIX, during action against enemy Japanese forces in Southern Fukien Province, China, from June 29 to July 21, 1945. Operating with insufficient and inferior equipment, Lieutenant Commander Halperin repeatedly led his American and Chinese guerrillas in attacks against strong hostile forces, setting ambushes and waging open battle to inflict extensive damage on the enemy and account for overwhelming numbers of Japanese dead. By his forceful leadership, indomitable fighting spirit, and aggressive determination, maintained in the face of tremendous odds, Lieutenant Commander Halperin served as an inspiration to all Allied officers and men under his command and contributed materially to the success of our operations in this area. His heroic conduct and courageous devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Secretary of the Navy, Washington

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Halperin, Chief Specialist, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while in charge of a Scout Boat from the Northern Attack Group during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 to 11 November 1942. Preceding the assault on Mehdia on 8 November, Chief Specialist Halperin skillfully maneuvered his boat in complete darkness from the transport area seven miles off the coast into a position to locate and mark landing beaches on the hostile shore. Landing an Army scout party at the prescribed beach, he then, at great risk of his life and despite the strafing of enemy planes, steadfastly maintained a position off shore and guided incoming waves of assault troops to their proper destination. When all had landed, he assisted the shore party in locating points of egress from the beach and connecting roads inland, and personally captured two enemy officers. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 319 (October 1943)