Date of birth:

February 10th, 1913 (Selma/Alabama, United States)

Date of death:

December 27th, 1978

Service number:

0-73401

Nationality:

American

Promotions:
May 31st, 1937: Lieutenant (jg);
July 1st, 1941: Lieutenant;
March 1st, 1943: Lieutenant Commander;
February 1st, 1944: Commander;
?: Captain.

Career:
? - 1934: U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis;
July 1st, 1939 - 1 januari 1940: Executive Officer U.S.S. S-41 (SS-146);
July 1st, 1940: Duty Cfo, U.S.S. Tautog;
November 1st, 1940 - February 22nd, 1942: Engineer Officer U.S.S. Tautog (SS-199);
June 1942 - June 1943: Executive Officer U.S.S. Shad (SS-235);
March 4th, 1944 - December 22nd, 1944: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Sterlet (SS-392);
?: Staff Officer Staff Submarine Squadron 10;
November 1950 - 1952: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Perry (DD-844).

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Shad (SS-235), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

November 20th, 1944

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry in action while serving as Assistant Approach Officer on board the U.S.S. SHAD (SS-235), during a War Patrol of that submarine in enemy-infested waters of the Atlantic Ocean in 1943. Undaunted by threat of attack from hostile aircraft, submarines and surface units, Commander Robbins assisted in locating a strong enemy formation consisting of a large blockade runner carrying vital materials, escorted by four heavy destroyers. As Assistant Approach Officer, he rendered invaluable aid to his Commanding Officer in inflicting damage on this formidable enemy group during a night surface attack. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 12th Fleet: Serial 11554 (November 20, 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Sterlet (SS-392), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

February 25th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Sterlet (SS-392), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. STERLET (SS-392), during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters from 4 July 1944 to 26 August 1944. By his excellent skill and ability, he penetrated strong and unusually alert enemy surface and air escort screens to launch five well planned and smartly executed torpedo attacks, and one daring and aggressive gun attack against enemy shipping. These successful torpedo and gun attacks resulted in the sinking of three enemy ships totaling 13,500 tons and one small freighter of 700 tons. His skillful evasive tactics and excellent seamanship enabled him to escape severe enemy counter-measures and bring his ship safely back to port. 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 Silver Star Medal awarded in the form of a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first Silver Star Medal.

• Photo 1: Bill Gonyo
• - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
  - Military TImes, Hall of Valor
  - UBoat.net
  - Fleet Organization Website