Vice Admiral Robert W. Hayler, 1914-1951

Aboard Georgia during Vera Cruz campaign of 1914 and Oklahoma during WW I.  Commanded destroyers Howard and Melvin with three shore tours at Torpedo Station Newport, RI.  At WWII outbreak, commissioned and commanded Torpedo Station Alexandria, VA to manufacture torpedoes. In June 1942 took command of cruiser Honolulu and participated in Guadalcanal battles including Savo Island on 30 November 1942 (first Navy Cross).   Fought in Battle of Kula Gulf 5-6 July 1943 (second Navy Cross) and one week later in Battle of Kolombangra (Silver Star Medal).  Departed Honolulu in March 1944, promoted to Rear Admiral and given command of Cruiser Division 12, participating in Saipan, Tinian, and Guam (first Legion of Merit with Combat V), Palau, and Leyte Gulf (second Legion of Merit with Combat V).  Providing AA protection of TF 58 in June 1944 received secon Bronze Star with Combat V.  Led cruiser line on left flank of Surigao Strait on 25 October 1944 (third Navy Cross).  Detached to General Board in December 1944, his last tour was as Commandant of Sixth Naval District 1948-1951.

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