Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Leach graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1933. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Satterlee (DD-626)

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Robert William Leach (NSN: 0-72273/1100), United States Navy, for meritorious performance of duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SATTERLEE (DD-626), in action against German Coastal defenses and German troops on the coast of France on 6 June 1944. Lieutenant Commander Leach pressed his attack with gallantry while his ship was under fire by enemy coastal defenses and machine gun fire by enemy troops. He so skillfully and efficiently handled his ship closing the range to the shore so that his main and heavy machine gun batteries were able to offer effective close fire support to the Rangers who were assaulting enemy fortifications at Point du Hoc. His fire silenced numerous enemy machine gun nests and killed many of the enemy troops who were firing on the Rangers. Lieutenant Commander Leach’s determination to close the enemy and give close support fire was of invaluable aid to our troops and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.