(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign Robert R. Raber, United States Navy, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy when a shipmate fell between a pontoon barge and a LCVP while stepping from the barge to the boat in heavy weather in Chesapeake Bay, off Bloodsworth Island, Virginia. Ensign Raber immediately plunged into the water between the boat and the barge and lifted the man so that others in the boat could grasp him and pull him aboard. His initiative and unselfish courage in risking his own life in an attempt to save that of another reflects the highest credit upon Ensign Raber and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Robert
R.
Raber
Awards Received
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
All Hands (July 1950) -
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant Commander (CEC)Action Date:
March 27, 1964
All Hands (March 1965)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander (CEC) Robert R. Raber, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Public Works Officer at the U.S. Naval Station, Kodiak, Alaska, during the weeks immediately following the 27 March 1964 Alaskan earthquake. Lieutenant Commander Raber contributed greatly toward effecting the speedy restoration of the Naval Station at Kodiak. Immediately after the earthquake ceased, he proceeded to the power plant, remaining there at grave personal risk to insure the plant machinery was properly secured. He worked continuously during the following weeks, with little sleep, coordinating the repair operations, directing the installation of emergency equipment and planning for reconstruction.