Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Hamilton
Close
1913-03-11

–

1994-03-19

Born:

Mount Vernon

, 

New York

Home:

Rye

, 

New York

Robert Close graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1934. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Grouper (SS-214)

    Action Date:

    August 28 – December 31, 1942
    Board Serial 0094 (January 26, 1949)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Robert Hamilton Close (NSN: 0-73341), United States Navy, for heroic achievement as Diving and Engineering Officer of the U.S.S. GROUPER (SS-214), during the SECOND and THIRD War Patrols of that Submarine against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean Area from 28 August to 31 December 1942. Exercising superior technical knowledge and keen initiative in the performance of his essential duties, Commander Close rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer. In the periods of greatest danger, he distinguished himself by his cool courage and fine professional skill, thereby contributing materially to the success of the vital missions assigned to this vessel. His exemplary conduct and valiant devotion to duty under extremely adverse conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Close is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Grouper (SS-214)

    Action Date:

    August 28 – December 31, 1942
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0738 (May 13, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Commander Robert Hamilton Close (NSN: 0-73341), United States Navy, for outstanding heroism as Diving and Engineering Officer of the U.S.S. GROUPER (SS-214), during the SECOND and THIRD War Patrols of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 28 August to 31 December 1942. Exercising superior technical knowledge and keen initiative in the performance of his essential duties, Lieutenant Commander Close rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer. In the periods of greatest danger he distinguished himself by his cool courage and fine professional skill, thereby contributing materially to the success of the vital missions assigned to his vessel. The exemplary conduct and valiant devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Close under extremely adverse conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Collett (DD-730)

    Action Date:

    September 13 – 15, 1950
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 918 (October 14, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Robert Hamilton Close (NSN: 0-73341), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. COLLETT (DD-730), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 13 to 15 September 1950. An officer of outstanding professional ability and resourcefulness, Commander Close skillfully navigated his ship through a hazardous enemy mine field and, entering the strongly fortified harbor of Inchon, conducted an effective close-in bombardment against hostile shore installations and gun emplacements. Defying the deadly and ever increasing fire from hidden enemy batteries scattered along the coastline, he boldly continued to direct furious counterfire on the hostile fortifications until the defenses were sufficiently neutralized to permit the successful amphibious landings of friendly forces at Inchon. By his marked courage, expert seamanship and loyal devotion to the fulfillment of vital operations, Commander Close upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.