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Ward, Robert Elwin McCraner

Date of birth:
February 2nd, 1914 (San Acacia/Colorado, United States)
Date of death:
April 9th, 1980
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Service number:
0-74959
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Promotions:
?: Lieutenant Commander;
?: Commander;
?: Captain;
?: Rear Admiral.

Career:
?: Fire Control Officer U.S.S. Gurnard (SS-254);
21st October 1943 - December 1944: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Sailfish (SS-192);
11th June 1945: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Sea Leopard (SS-483);
1947 - 1949: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Chopper (SS-342);
5th October 1957 - 2nd December 1958: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Washburn (LKA-108);
August 1958 - August 1959: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Rochester (CA-124);
?: Commanding Officer Amphibious Group 2.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Gurnard (SS-254), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
1943
Citation:
"For gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Fire Control Officer of the U.S.S. GURNARD (SS-254), during a war patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters. Lieutenant Commander Ward, by his tireless efforts in training the fire control party, by his coordination of the fire control party during action, and by his coolness and counsel to the Commanding Officer when his boat was firing torpedoes and undergoing severe enemy anti-submarine measures, was responsible in a great measure for the success of the patrol during which the submarine sank three ships, including one destroyer, totaling over 15,000 tons and damaging five ships, totaling over 43,000 tons of enemy shipping. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Sailfish (SS-192), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
November 17th, 1944
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAILFISH (SS-192), during the ELEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 7 July to 6 September 1944. Skillfully penetrating strong enemy escort screens, Commander Ward launched torpedo attacks against enemy shipping and combatant units which resulted in the sinking of a destroyer, a minelayer and two freighters, totaling 13,200 tons and, employing evasive tactics, successfully avoided enemy countermeasures. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second Silver Star received in the form of a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first Silver Star.
At the time fo the action he still held the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 78 (November 17, 1944)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Sailfish (SS-192), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
1944
Navy Cross
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAILFISH (SS-192), on the TENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 17 November 1943 to 5 January 1944, in enemy Japanese home waters off the main island of Honshu. On the night of 3 - 4 December 1943, while operating under extremely hazardous weather conditions and against active anti-submarine measures, Lieutenant Commander Ward attacked an enemy aircraft carrier of over 22,000 tons which was in company with a cruiser and destroyers. Although depth-charged, he pursued the damaged carrier to drive home the final attack which sank it. Throughout the remainder of this patrol he sank over 13,200 additional tons of enemy shipping and damaged over 7,000 tons. In spite of severe enemy counter-attacks and hazardous weather conditions he brought his boat back to port with only minor damage. His conduct and heroic efforts throughout this patrol were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 344 (November 1945).
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Sailfish (SS-192), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
February 25th, 1945
Navy Cross
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAILFISH (SS-192), on the TWELFTH and final War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 September to 11 December 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. With courage and determination, Commander Ward successfully launched attacks which resulted in the sinking of a medium sized enemy warship and several smaller craft. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second NC received in the form of a gols star to be worn on the ribbon of the first NC.
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01692 (February 25, 1945).
Period:
Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:
Rear Admiral
Awarded on:
July 2nd, 1965
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Naval Reserve Training Command. Directly responsible for procurement and training of personnel for the surface component of the Naval Reserve, Rear Admiral War personally undertook a comprehensive detailed analysis of the Naval Reserve which resulted in the formulation of new training plans and concepts designed to improve the overall readiness and efficiency of the Navy's mobilization capability. He expertly applied his extensive knowledge of current Naval operations in reorienting Naval Reserve Training programs so as to bring them more sharply into focus with the rapid technological advances being wrought in Naval Warfare and Naval Weaponry. Through his personal leadership and dynamic forcefulness in seminars held in all sections of the United States, he succeeded in improving the readiness posture of the Selected Reserve by implementing policies to increase the petty officer ratio in the Selected Reserve and to improve the quality of training afforded all Naval Reservists. Stimulating enthusiastic response among officers and men throughout the entire Naval Reserve, Admiral Ward, by his outstanding professional competence and inspiring devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Board Serial 952
Legion of Merit - US Military

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