The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Robert Green Lockhart (NSN: 0-58651), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Navigator of the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Santa Cruz, Philippine Islands, on 26 October 1942. During an enemy air attack on his ship, when a hostile plane struck the bridge and torpedo and bomb hits caused fires in other parts of the vessel, Captain Lockhart calmly remained at his post conning the ship and rendering valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer. In his determination to save his ship despite the personal hazards involved, he coordinated all activities such as fire fighting and damage control until further effort was rendered useless and it was necessary to abandon ship. His skill, leadership and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



