Robert L. Brock’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Robert Lee Brock

Machinist’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Machine Gunner on board the Minesweeper U.S.S. HERON (AM-10), in action against the enemy during operations in Dutch East Indies on 31 December 1941 when his ship was attacked by 15 hostile planes of different types. With extreme disregard of personal safety, Machinist’s Mate Second Class Brock returned to his action station while bombs were falling near the ship and after the force of a bomb explosion had thrown him from the after machine gun platform to the main deck below. During protracted air attacks delivered against the U.S.S. HERON on 31 December 1941 in the Dutch East Indies, the ship being attacked by an overwhelming number of enemy aircraft of various types using bombs and torpedoes, Machinist’s Mate Second Class Brock discharged his duties as After .50 Caliber Machine Gun Captain in a most efficient and commendable manner. Such action contributed not only to the survival of the ship but also to the fact that effective losses were sustained by the enemy aircraft. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.