The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Joseph Foley (NSN: 0-61364), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GATO (SS-212), on the EIGHTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 2 February 1944 to 1 April 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Bismarck-New Guinea-Truk areas of the Pacific. Fighting his ship fiercely and with outstanding tactical skill, Commander Foley delivered smashing torpedo attacks against escorted hostile shipping and, by the bold and effective use of his deck guns, succeeded in destroying four enemy ships, including one heavily-armed merchantman, out of a total of six sunk and another severely damaged during this hazardous patrol. Employing skillful evasive maneuvers while under depth charge and aerial bombing attacks, he brought his ship through the furious engagement without damage and returned his ship safely to port. Commander Foley’s expert seamanship, dauntless courage and resolute devotion to duty were an inspiration to his officers and men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Joseph Foley (NSN: 0-61364), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GATO (SS-212), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 13 January 1943 to 26 February 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Bismarck-New Guinea-Truk areas of the Pacific. Upon sighting a hostile convoy escorted by warships, Lieutenant Commander Foley, with bold skill and daring, maneuvered his ship into position to strike the enemy and launched a vigorous attack. Sinking one Japanese transport and three cargo vessels totaling 31,700 tons, and damaging an unidentified ship, he successfully avoided detection and desperate anti-submarine counter measures on the part of enemy escorting vessels. His expert seamanship and unyielding devotion to duty, employed at great person risk in the face of grave danger, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.