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 Commander Robert Elwin McCraner Ward (NSN: 0-74959), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAILFISH (SS-192), on the TWELFTH and final War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 September to 11 December 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. With courage and determination, Commander Ward successfully launched attacks which resulted in the sinking of a medium sized enemy warship and several smaller craft. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and 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 Elwin McCraner Ward (NSN: 0-74959), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAILFISH (SS-192), on the TENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 17 November 1943 to 5 January 1944, in enemy Japanese home waters off the main island of Honshu. On the night of 3 – 4 December 1943, while operating under extremely hazardous weather conditions and against active anti-submarine measures, Lieutenant Commander Ward attacked an enemy aircraft carrier of over 22,000 tons which was in company with a cruiser and destroyers. Although depth-charged, he pursued the damaged carrier to drive home the final attack which sank it. Throughout the remainder of this patrol he sank over 13,200 additional tons of enemy shipping and damaged over 7,000 tons. In spite of severe enemy counter-attacks and hazardous weather conditions he brought his boat back to port with only minor damage. His conduct and heroic efforts throughout this patrol were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.