Robert Ward Hayler

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Robert Ward Hayler, Captain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. HONOLULU (CL-48), during operations in Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands, on 5 and 6 July 1943. Commanding his warship during landing operations on New Georgia island and participating in an engagement with numerically superior hostile naval forces, Captain Hayler, through his direction of gun and torpedo fire, contributed materially to the sinking and severe damage of all the enemy vessels. During the previous day, as part of a task force, he supported landing operations on New Georgia island, and, in the face of intense enemy fire, in submarine-infested waters, he effectively bombarded enemy shore batteries. Captain Hayler’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Robert Ward Hayler, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Cruiser Division TWELVE, 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. This successful attack contributed in large measure to eliminating an imminent and dangerous threat to our transports and other ships in Leyte Gulf. Rear Admiral Hayler’s high professional skill, forceful leadership, and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Ward Hayler, Captain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. HONOLULU (CL-48), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in enemy-controlled waters during the Battle of Tassafaronga on the night of 30 November 1942. Captain Hayler valiantly fought his ship during this action in which several of our vessels were damaged, and maintained his position in the formation, firing effectively with every weapons at his command. His actions were direct factors in the destruction of several Japanese ships and contributed to the turning back of the enemy forces. Captain Hayler’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.