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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Robert Dunlap Risser (NSN: 0-73326), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FLYING FISH (SS-229), during the EIGHTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-controlled waters of the Pacific on 17 and 27 December 1943. Shortly after midnight on 17 December 1943, Lieutenant Commander Risser contacted a heavily escorted enemy convoy of three ships. As this convoy was preparing to enter TAKAO at dawn, a well planned and executed attack was made in bright moonlight, which resulted in the sinking of one freighter of over 5,000 tons. Due to proximity of TAKAO, he skillfully withdrew from the vicinity. Again on 27 December, he maneuvered his vessel through strong enemy escort screens to sink a hostile tanker totaling over 10,000 tons and, despite severe enemy countermeasures, brought his ship safe to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229)

    Action Date:

    May 29 – July 4, 1945
    Commander Submarine Force Pacific: Serial 02268 (September 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Robert Dunlap Risser (NSN: 0-73326), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FLYING FISH (SS-229), on the TWELFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 29 May 1945 to 4 July 1945, in enemy controlled waters in the Sea of Japan. With extreme daring and heroic actions, fully realizing the perils involved in completing this unprecedented undertaking, Commander Risser audaciously penetrated strong anti-submarine barriers and entered supposedly inviolable enemy waters. With exceptional skill and aggressiveness he launched gun and torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of two ships and ten small craft, totaling over 3,000 tons, and the severe damaging of two additional small craft. Upon the completion of this special mission the Commanding Officer made his exit through hazardous waters and brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229)

    Action Date:

    February 22 – April 12, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 03596 (July 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Robert Dunlap Risser (NSN: 0-73326), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FLYING FISH (SS-229), during the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy-controlled waters from 22 February to 12 April 1944. By his courage, skill and determination, Lieutenant Commander Risser delivered successful torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy vessels, which resulted in the sinking of three enemy freighters totaling 10,500 tons and the damaging of one enemy tanker of 7,500 tons. Despite enemy counter-measures, which on one occasion consisted of a torpedo attack by an enemy submarine, his exceptional alertness, quick thinking and positive action prevented his ship from suffering severe damage, if not its complete loss. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.