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 Rear Admiral Robert Ward Hayler (NSN: 0-8611), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Cruiser Division TWELVE, on board the U.S.S. DENVER (CL-58), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Surigao Strait, in the early hours of 25 October 1944. With United States cruiser unites executing a strategic maneuver as the tactically disposed destroyer units initiated a series of deadly torpedo attacks against a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers advancing under cover of darkness toward our waiting forces, Rear Admiral Hayler skillfully directed his division into advantageous striking position on the left flank despite extremely hazardous conditions and, ordering the fire of his powerful gun batteries with precise timing in a sudden coordinated onset, delivered a smashing Naval bombardment from his man-of-war, surprising the enemy and aiding materially in putting him to rout in Japanese-controlled waters. Detached from his Task Force to pursue the fleeing warships, he resolutely held to an undeviating course, moving in for the kill with swift, inexorable fury and overtaking the remnants of the battered enemy Task Force to join other friendly units in dealing the death blows which brought the decisive action to a close and completed the annihilation of a large and vital portion of the Japanese Fleet. His forceful leadership, brilliant direction and indomitable determination in the face of tremendous odds reflect the highest credit upon Rear Admiral Hayler, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Robert Ward Hayler (NSN: 0-8611), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. HONOLULU (CL-48), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in enemy-controlled waters during the Battle of Tassafaronga on the night of 30 November 1942. Valiantly fighting his ship during action in which several of our vessels were damaged, burning and out of control, Captain Hayler maintained his station in the formation, firing effectively with every weapons at his command. His fine seamanship in bringing the HONOLULU through without damage under extremely adverse conditions and his gallant leadership under fire were direct factors in the destruction of several Japanese ships and contributed to the turning back of the enemy forces. The conduct of Captain Hayler throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Captain Robert Ward Hayler (NSN: 0-8611), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. HONOLULU (CL-48), during operations in Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands, on 5 and 6 July 1943. Commanding his warship during landing operations on New Georgia island and participating in an engagement with numerically superior hostile naval forces, Captain Hayler, through his direction of gun and torpedo fire, contributed materially to the sinking and severe damage of all the enemy vessels. During the previous day, as part of a task force, he supported landing operations on New Georgia island, and, in the face of intense enemy fire, in submarine-infested waters, he effectively bombarded enemy shore batteries. Captain Hayler’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.