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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Robert William Curtis (NSN: 0-72332), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Engineer Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MURPHY (DD-603), when that vessel was damaged by a hostile shell during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco, 8 November 1942. When a shell ploughed into the after engine room of his ship, Lieutenant Commander Curtis, without regard for his own safety, courageously entered the compartment, by then an inferno of smoke, steam, and heat, to effect the rescue of any men who might have been unable to escape. With the shattered main switchboard a shower of sparks, Lieutenant Commander Curtis, although nearly overcome by the suffocating smoke and heat, secured the steam supply to the after main generator, thereby removing electrical power from the switchboard and consequently eliminating a dangerously imminent threat to his men and the MURPHY. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Buchanan (DD-484)

    Action Date:

    February 14 – 25, 1944
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 0943 (April 20, 1944)

    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 William Curtis (NSN: 0-72332), United States Navy, for heroic service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BUCHANAN (DD-484), while operating with a Destroyer Squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Bismarck Archipelago, from 14 to 25 February 1944. Undaunted by powerful enemy bombardments and intense fire from enemy Naval units and shore batteries, Commander Curtis directed his ship’s operations with outstanding skill and, by his able ship-handling contributed to the success of his squadron in sinking three enemy vessels in Keravia Bay and Kavieng Harbor, in destroying five enemy aircraft during our amphibious landings on Green Island, and in inflicting extensive and costly damage on shore installations in the Rabaul-Wunapopoe area. His leadership and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.