The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Robert Belden Kail (NSN: 0-75100), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Plans Officer on the Staff of Commander Task Force NINETY-FIVE from 25 October 1950 to 21 June 1951. By his excellent tactical skill, keen foresight, and broad planning, he gave invaluable assistance to the force commander in the formulation and implementation of plans for naval warfare by this task force in successful action against the enemy. Constantly changing situations required his utmost in broad and complex planning. During combat operations against the east coast ports of Wonsan, Songjin, and Choongjin, Korea, aboard the U.S.S. MANCHESTER (CL-83), he particularly distinguished himself by his intensive application to duty in the preparation of plans and supervision of the implementation thereof during long periods of active intense tactical operations against the enemy while ships of this task force were exposed repeatedly to enemy shore battery fire and minefields. In addition he served with distinction on this Staff aboard the U.S.S. DIXIE (AD-14) in the naval bombardment of Kosong, and Kansong, Korea, on the east coast, and on the U.S.S. BATAAN (CVL-29) during aerial strikes against the enemy’s west coast shipping and land forces. By his perseverance, judgment and conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of his duties, he contributed immeasurably to the successful conduct of actions against the enemy which included blockade, anti-mining, siege of enemy cities, destruction and disruption of the enemy’s sea and land transportation system and gunfire support for our own forces. His courage and aggressive leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Manchester (CL-83)Action Date:
October 25, 1950 – June 21, 1951
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. PhoenixAction Date:
December 26, 1943 – July 3, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02751 (May 11, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Robert Belden Kail (NSN: 0-75100), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Gunnery Officer, U.S.S. PHOENIX, during combat operations in the Southwest Pacific Area from 26 December 1943 to 3 July 1944. During Commander Kail’s period of duty as Gunnery Officer, U.S.S. PHOENIX carried out eight bombardments of Japanese positions in a manner that won praise for the accuracy of her fire and the satisfactory manner in which she performed her tasks. Credit for this sustained performance by his Gunnery Department in a series of mission which began soon after the ship’s return from overhaul and continued on a monthly basis was due largely to Commander Kail. His effectiveness in indoctrinating new personnel, familiarizing his department with newly installed equipment, and conducting rigid training had beneficial results long beyond his period of duty. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.