Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Sheats was a member of the crew of the submarine tender U.S.S. CANOPUS (AS-9), serving in the Philippine Islands. After the ship was severely damaged on December 29, 1941, and subsequently scuttled to prevent the vessel from falling into enemy hands, he and his surviving comrades joined the ground forces in defense of Bataan and Corregidor. He was subsequently captured and interned as a Prisoner of War.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Torpedoman First Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands & Japan)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – 1945

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Torpedoman First Class Robert Carlton Sheats (NSN: 3682998), United States Navy, a former crewman of the U.S.S. CANOPUS (AS-9), was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until returned to U.S. Military control at the end of hostilities in 1945.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Master Chief Torpedoman’s Mate

    Action Date:

    August 28 – October 13, 1965

    All Hands (March 1966)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Master Chief Torpedoman’s Mate Robert Carlton Sheats (NSN: 3682998), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Team Leader of an aquanaut team during Project SEALAB II, from 28 August 1965 to 13 October 1965.