Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Ware graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1937. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 17 (VB-17)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 17 (AG-17)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    March 24, 1945

    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0617 (July 2, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Robert Macky Ware (NSN: 0-78721), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Bombing Squadron SEVENTEEN (VB-17), embarked in the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12). Lieutenant Commander Ware led a flight of carrier based Dive Bombers, Torpedo Bombings and Fighter Planes, on 24 March 1945, in an attack on an enemy convoy of seven ships in the East China Sea. Deploying his flight for a coordinated attack he made a low level run, necessitated by the low ceiling on a large enemy merchantman, strafing as he approached. Despite damage to his plane from anti-aircraft fire he released his bombs from an altitude of 200 feet, scoring direct hits on the ship. The vessel was sunk, as were the others as a result of the attack. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 17 (VB-17)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 17 (AG-17)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    February 16 – April 27, 1945

    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0484 (April 30, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Macky Ware (NSN: 0-78721), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 16 February 1945 to 27 April 1945. As Pilot of a carrier-based Dive Bomber he participated in twenty combat missions over Tokyo, Iwo Jima, Chichi Jima, Hacijo Jima, Kyushu and the Nansei Shoto. During these twenty flights he performed his assigned duties with courage and determination which at all times was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Scouting Bombing Squadron

    Action Date:

    August 22, 1942

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 25 (November 23, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Robert Macky Ware (NSN: 0-78721), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Navy Scout Bomber during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine forces in support of the occupation of the Solomon Islands, on 22 August 1942. Lieutenant Ware, displaying courage and ability in pressing home his attack, while under heavy fire, destroyed an enemy four-engined flying boat. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 17 (VB-17)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 17 (AG-17)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945

    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0484 (April 30, 1945)

    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 Lieutenant Commander Robert Macky Ware (NSN: 0-78721), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Bomber and Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron SEVENTEEN (VB-17), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against the enemy on 17 April 1945, while deployed over the East China Sea. Lieutenant Commander Ware led a squadron of carrier-based dive bombers in an attack on an enemy Task Force comprised of a battleship, cruisers and destroyers in the East China Sea. Deploying his planes for a coordinated attack, he dove on the enemy battleship and scored a direct hit with his bomb. This hit, together with others made by members of his squadron, contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel as a result of the attack. The attack was made in the face of extremely intense anti-aircraft fire which wounded him and damaged his plane. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 17 (VB-17)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 17 (AG-17)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    February 17, 1945

    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0280 (March 30, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Macky Ware (NSN: 0-78721), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the Tokyo area of Japan on 17 February 1945. Flying as Squadron Leader of carrier-based dive bombers, he led a dive bombing and strafing attack on an airfield in that area, made in the face of anti-aircraft fire, which resulted in destruction and heavy damage to airfield installations. The mission was successfully completed despite extremely adverse weather conditions encountered during the flight to and from the target area. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.