Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Robert Allen Keating, Jr. (NSN: 0-72298), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ROCK (SS-274), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of French Indo China, during the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine from 7 March to 4 May 1945. Aggressively striking the enemy at every opportunity, Commander Keating launched a well-executed torpedo attack which sent a hostile 600-ton destroyer escort to the bottom. In addition, he assisted in the rescue of fifteen survivors from a stricken Allied vessel and returned them to port after they had spent thirty-two days in a twenty-six foot open life boat. By his professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the success of the SIXTH War Patrol of the ROCK and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Barbel (SS-316)

    Action Date:

    July 15 – August 21, 1944
    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 77 (October 26, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Robert Allen Keating, Jr. (NSN: 0-72298), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BARBEL (SS-316), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 15 July 1944 to 21 August 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Penetrating strong enemy escort screens, Commander Keating launched five bold torpedo attacks against enemy shipping to sink four hostile vessels totaling 32,900 tons and to damage an additional vessel of 8,500 tons. Maneuvering his ship to avoid severe enemy countermeasures, he succeeded in bringing her to port without damage to the BARBEL or its crew. Commander Keating’s inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous mission was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Barbel (SS-316)

    Action Date:

    September 13 – October 24, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 0443 (January 16, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Robert Allen Keating, Jr. (NSN: 0-72298), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BARBEL (SS-316), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 15 July 1944 to 21 August 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Operating close inshore and risking detection by numerous hostile aircraft, Commander Keating penetrated Japanese escort screens to launch five well-executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of a 1,500-ton destroyer, a 600-ton torpedo boat and a 4,000-ton freighter and in the damaging of two additional Japanese vessels totaling 14,000 tons. Using skillful evasive tactics, he escaped damage from hostile countermeasures and succeeded in bringing the BARBEL back to base. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Keating and the United States Naval Service.