Robert Byron Ricks

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert Byron Ricks, Lieutenant (j.g.), U.S. Navy (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the Navy Armed Guard aboard a merchant vessel during action against enemy forces in alien waters on 2 May 1942. Lieutenant (j.g.) Ricks Armed Guard crew stood by their battle stations for two consecutive days and nights without sleep or rest and effectively repelled persistent raids upon the convoy, under his alter vigilance. By his efficient leadership and his intensive training of the Armed Guard and the ship’s crew under adverse conditions, Lieutenant (j.g.) Ricks enabled his ship to survive a series of perilous encounters and reach her port of destination with an important war cargo.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)