Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Fireman First Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Abner Read (DD-526)

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1944

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03070 (May 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Fireman First Class Robert Norries Brewer (NSN: 6188372), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on the U.S.S. ABNER READ (DD-526). During and subsequent to the time that the destroyer in which he was serving was attacked by a suicidal Japanese dive bomber on 1 November 1944, he first manned a machine gun squarely in the path of the diving plane and directed a continuous fire into the plane until it crashed within a few feet of him. Then, having been blown into the water and although painfully injured, he helped a severely wounded shipmate to safety and was last seen returning to the sinking ship to give aid to another man who was unable to swim. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.