Close, Robert H.

Description

Robert H Close was born on March 11, 1913, in Mt. Vernon, New York to Harriet Beardslee and Lucien Close. In Rye his family lived at 30 Redfield St.. Robert was graduated from the Milton School in Rye, and the Port Chester High School. In Rye his family lived at 10 Horton Street.

He was also graduated in the class of 1934 from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Ensign Robert Close married Miss Virginia At Monterey, CA. in 1936, and they would have four children.

Robert served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II and Korea. SEE MUSTER ROLLS

Captain Close served In the Submarine Service during World War II and commanded the USS Pilotflsh.

Pilotfish (SS-386) was laid down on 15 May 1943 by the Portsmouth (N. H.) Navy Yard; launched on 30 August 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Martha S. Scheutz, wife of Congressman Leonard W. Scheutz of Illinois, a member of the House Naval Affairs Committee; and commissioned on 16 December 1943, Lt. Comdr. Robert H. Close in command.

Pilotfish received five battle stars for World War II service.

Further duties included command of USS Trollus, USS Flredrake and on the staff of Naval Post Graduate School In both Newport, R.L, and Monterey.

Capt. Close had command of the U.S. Collett during the Korean War and would received the Silver Star.

SILVER STAT CITATION: 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.

He later attended the Naval War College, Newport, and served at the Bureau of Personnel and Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. After serving two years at JUSMAG In Bangkok, Thailand, Capt. Close retired from the Navy. He taught mathematics for 16 years In the Napa Valley Unified School District.

Robert H. Close, U.S Navy (retired), died Saturday, March 19, 1994, in Napa, CA after a short Illness.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia of Napa; his daughter, Marian Llebow of San Francisco; and his son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Darlene, and two granddaughters, of. Alta Loma. He was predeceased by his son, Robert Jr. and Stephen. No services will be held.

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73612397/obituary…