Robert Wayne Denbo

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Wayne Denbo (0-62631), Captain [then Commander], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. LONG ISLAND (CVE-1), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. When his ship sustained severe damage after repeated enemy aerial attacks, Captain Denbo skillfully maintained adequate control and directed fire fighting measures at the scene of the first attack before proceeding to another damaged part of the ship to supervise the disposal of bombs and burning depth charges which were in momentary danger of exploding. By his courage, initiative and devotion to duty throughout, Captain Denbo was instrumental in saving the vessel from internal explosions, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0789 (February 21, 1945)