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Robbins, Berton Aldrich, Jr.

Date of birth:
August 27th, 1908 (Long Island/New York, United States)
Date of death:
December 4th, 1983
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 13. Grave: 6670.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Graduated Annapolis in 1931. Admiral Robbins served on the U.S.S. Shaw and U.S.S. Leutze during the Second World War. He received injuries during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Leutze (DD-481), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
February 9th, 1945
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LEUTZE (DD-481), in a night torpedo attack against an advancing column of enemy battleships, cruisers, and destroyers at Surigao Strait during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on the night of 24 - 25 October 1944. By his courage and skill, Commander Robbins directed his ship against heavy and prolonged enemy gunfire, to a position where he launched an accurate torpedo attack, retiring without damage to his ship. His actions contributed materially to the decisive defeat of a determined enemy force. Commander Robbins' high professional skill, forceful leadership, and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0647
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Leutze (DD-481), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
1945
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LEUTZE (DD-481), in action against enemy Japanese forces, during the attack on Iwo Jima, on 17 February 1945. Moving into close position to provide fire support for underwater demolitions units working off the east beaches on D-minus-2-day, Commander Robbins accurately directed the blistering fire of his guns against the formidable Japanese shore batteries and, undaunted by the terrific volume of counterfire from enemy beach positions, steadfastly maintained station until his ship received a direct hit just abaft the bridge toward the close of the action. Refusing to relinquish command of his ship despite critical wounds sustained at this time, he resolutely remained on the bridge until the completion of the mission. By his courageous determination and great personal valor in the face of grave peril, Commander Robbins contributed materially to our success in this strategic area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "Combat V"
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "Combat V"
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NMCCOM)

Sources

Photo