The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral David Brooks Robinson (NSN: 0-669469), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, Naval Surface Forces, United States Pacific Fleet, from April 1993 to April 1996. Vice Admiral Robinson’s exceptional accomplishments across a broad spectrum of areas were absolutely essential to the tremendous success of the surface forces, and of the Pacific Fleet while executing theater and national taskings. His visionary leadership and personal commitment to the Sailors of the Force forged a path for monumental changes to be accomplished in the Pacific Fleet Surface Forces during his tenure. Throughout a reduction of more than 40 ships, and three shore stations under his command, SURFPAC forces were able to meet every commitment because Vice Admiral Robinson had ensured they were well maintained, superbly trained, and efficiently manned. He oversaw a complete reorganization of the operational structure of the Cruiser, Destroyer and Amphibious forces of the Force, an incremental consolidation of maintenance infrastructure and procedures to accommodate reduced budgets and to gain economies of scale; and the implementation, refinement and maturation of the Tactical Training Strategy. His unswerving personal efforts and tireless dedication to the Navy allowed him to be an unparalleled steward of taxpayer’s dollars while maintaining a vital and active force to meet any contingency. Vice Admiral Robinson’s superb leadership skills, remarkable resourcefulness, and unselfish devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Canon (PG-90)Action Date:
August 11, 1970
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and MedalsThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander David Brooks Robinson (NSN: 0-669469), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer of the Patrol Gunboat, U.S.S. CANON (PG-90), during operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 11 August 1970. While Lieutenant Commander Robinson was directing his ship’s harassment and interdiction fire as the craft proceeded up the Bo De River, the ship suddenly came under intense enemy automatic weapons, rocket and small arms attack from an estimated forty-man force located in well-concealed positions in a mangrove swamp on both banks of the river. During the initial hail of enemy fire, Lieutenant Commander Robinson sustained a broken leg and numerous shrapnel wounds when a rocket exploded on the port side of the flying bridge. Despite his serious wounds and loss of blood, he continued to direct his ship’s fire until the enemy attack was suppressed. Refusing medical evacuation, Lieutenant Commander Robinson submitted to first-aid treatment and then requested that he be strapped in a stretcher and placed in an upright position so that he could continue to direct the actions of his ship until it cleared the enemy ambush site. Only after the ship was anchored at an advanced tactical support base and he was assured that his ship and crew were capable of continuing their assigned mission, did he allow himself to be medically evacuated. By his extraordinary courage, resolute fighting spirit and inspiring personal example in the face of a fierce enemy attack, Lieutenant Commander Robinson upheld the finest tradition of the United States Naval Service.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
September 1989 – December 1991
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and MedalsUnder the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral David Brooks Robinson (NSN: 0-669469), United States Navy, for exceptionally distinguished service as Vice Director and as Director, Operational Plans and Interoperability, The Joint Staff, from September 1989 to December 1991. As Secretary for the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, Admiral Robinson chaired senior study groups and led efforts to determine the requirements for the Major Aircraft Review and other joint system requirements. In the area of joint exercise and training, he provided long-term leadership of the $400 million Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Exercise Program. As the focus for joint lessons learned activities, he prepared an extremely insightful report to the Secretary of Defense on initial lessons learned from Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. He also helped author the Department of Defense report to Congress on the Conduct of the Persian Gulf War. A trusted advisor to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, he made truly significant, lasting contributions to the Department of Defense and the national security of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Robinson reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
December 1991 – January 1993
Board Serial 2685 (January 19, 1993)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral David Brooks Robinson (NSN: 0-669469), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander in Chief and Chief of Staff, U.S. Pacific Fleet, from December 1991 to January 1993. Rear Admiral Robinson’s stalwart professionalism, loyal dedication and flawless judgment were crucial factors in achieving a remarkable record of overall readiness and operational performance throughout the Pacific Fleet. His superior comprehension of the complexities associated with running a Fleet contributed immensely to maintaining unprecedented levels of responsiveness and sustainment to Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, regional cruises, and natural disasters OMAR and INIKI, providing full support of National strategic goals in the Pacific theater. Rear Admiral Robinson’s superior grasp of international political issues, domestic policy considerations, and Pacific Naval capabilities was invaluable, guiding the fleet to enhance deterrence and promoting regional stability. His considerable operational experience and thorough grasp of Joint Staff operations were critical to maintaining mission capability while restructuring operational commitments and force distribution to accommodate diminishing resources. Rear Admiral Robinson’s outstanding professional ability, unsurpassed loyalty, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.