Robert English graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1911. After earning TWO Navy Crosses as a Submarine Commander in World War I, as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral he commanded Submarines, Pacific Fleet in World War II until he was killed in an Air Crash 15 miles east of the town of Boonville, California on January 21, 1943. In the accident, English and his staff were flying on a U.S. Navy four-engine Martin M-130 flying boat, dubbed the “Philippine Clipper” (NC14715).
Sponsored by:
Robert
Henry
English
DNB (1943)
January 16, 1888
–
January 21, 1943
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. O-5Action Date:
October 5, 1918
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 English (NSN: 0-7724), United States Navy, for his heroic conduct upon the occasion of the explosion on the U.S.S. 0-5. At the risk of his own life Lieutenant Commander English entered the after battery compartment, which was filled with smoke and debris from the exploding batteries, and rescued Lieutenant Commander G. A. Trever, U.S.N., from being burned to death.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. O-4Action Date:
World War I
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Henry English (NSN: 0-7724), United States Navy, for distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. 0-4, engaged in the important, exacting and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters infested by enemy submarines, destroyers and mines, protecting vitally important convoys of troops and supplies and in offensive and defensive action, vigorously and unremittingly prosecuted against all forms of enemy naval activity during World War I.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Submarines, Pacific FleetAction Date:
1942
Commander in Chief: Serial 1158)The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Rear Admiral Robert Henry English (NSN: 0-7724), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander, Submarines, Pacific Fleet, during World War II. In that position of great responsibility, he directed the operations of his command with marked skill and resourcefulness, as a result of which heavy damage was inflicted on enemy ships and shipping. His example of tenacity and devotion to duty was in large part responsible for the high degree of combat efficiency attained by his command.