The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Henry Rice (NSN: 0-61242), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DRUM (SS-228), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 September 1942 to 8 November 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Lieutenant Commander Rice distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against armed enemy forces and by his skill, courage and determination succeeded in sinking 19,539 tons and inflicting damage upon one freighter of 6,700 tons. Despite the activity of numerous patrol craft engaged in anti-submarine measures in his area, he maneuvered his ship in such an expert manner that he brought it through without damage and his crew home without loss or injury. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Henry Rice (NSN: 0-61242), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DRUM (SS-228), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 17 April 1942 to 12 June 1942, in enemy controlled waters in close proximity to the enemy homeland coast. There, despite strong enemy anti-submarine measures and many navigational dangers, Lieutenant Commander Rice coolly and resolutely pressed home every favorable attack opportunity and succeeded in penetrating a screen to sink one enemy seaplane carrier of 9,000 tons, and three merchant ships totaling 15,000 tons. After three of these attacks, his submarine was the target for prolonged attacks by the enemy through which he brought his ship and personnel unscathed. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.