Robert L. Fowler III

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Robert L. Fowler, III, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Torpedo Officer on board the Destroyer U.S.S. DUNCAN (DD-485), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Accurately setting up his torpedo director, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fowler, in the firing of his first torpedo, obtained the initial hit on a hostile cruiser. Before he could fire the remaining torpedoes, he was fatally wounded by a shell which burst in the vicinity of the director. The conduct of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fowler throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)