Robert Paton graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1934. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.
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Robert Paton graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1934. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Robert Arthur Paton (NSN: 0-73426), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Gunnery Officer of the U.S.S. MONTPELIER (CL-57), operating as Flagship of a Task Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces in Kula Gulf and in the Vila-Stanhope Area of Kolombangara, Solomon Islands, on the night of 5 March 1943. When the Task Force engaged and sank two enemy destroyers while proceeding to the target area, Commander Paton ably directed and accurately controlled the ship’s secondary battery and thereby contributed materially to the success of the surface engagement and to the successful completion of the subsequent bombardment of Japanese airfields and shore installations. His skill and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.