The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Robert Allen Keating, Jr. (NSN: 0-72298), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BARBEL (SS-316), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 15 July 1944 to 21 August 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Operating close inshore and risking detection by numerous hostile aircraft, Commander Keating penetrated Japanese escort screens to launch five well-executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of a 1,500-ton destroyer, a 600-ton torpedo boat and a 4,000-ton freighter and in the damaging of two additional Japanese vessels totaling 14,000 tons. Using skillful evasive tactics, he escaped damage from hostile countermeasures and succeeded in bringing the BARBEL back to base. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Keating and 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 Silver Star to Commander Robert Allen Keating, Jr. (NSN: 0-72298), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ROCK (SS-274), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of French Indo China, during the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine from 7 March to 4 May 1945. Aggressively striking the enemy at every opportunity, Commander Keating launched a well-executed torpedo attack which sent a hostile 600-ton destroyer escort to the bottom. In addition, he assisted in the rescue of fifteen survivors from a stricken Allied vessel and returned them to port after they had spent thirty-two days in a twenty-six foot open life boat. By his professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the success of the SIXTH War Patrol of the ROCK and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.