# Robert H. Rice

Robert Henry Rice (17 Sep 1903 – 20 May 1994), was an American submarine commander during World War II who was awarded the Navy Cross twice. He reached the rank of Vice Admiral in the United States Navy.

## Early life and education

Robert Henry Rice was born on September 17, 1903, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He spent his early years in Pittsfield, where he attended local schools. In 1922, Rice graduated from the Hoosac School in Hoosick, New York. Following his graduation from Hoosac School, Rice received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He entered the Academy in 1923 from Missouri, graduated in 1927, and earned his commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy.

## Early naval career

Ensign Robert Henry Rice's first assignment after graduating from the Naval Academy was aboard the battleship USS Texas (BB-35). In 1930, Rice was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) and was transferred to the heavy cruiser USS Pittsburgh. The following year, LTJG Rice was transferred to the gunboat USS Luzon (PG-47), where he performed patrols along the Yangtze River in China in 1931 and 1932.
In 1933, Rice was ordered to Naval Submarine Base New London, to be qualified as a submarine officer. He was subsequently assigned to S-12. In 1935, Rice was sent back to the United States Naval Academy for additional training to command submarines, and the following year assigned to USS S-34. In 1937, Rice was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was given command of the submarine S-30. He held that command until 1940, when he was transferred to command the Secretary of the Navy's yacht, the USS Sequoia.

## World War II

Lt. Cmdr. Robert Rice, took command of the USS Drum (SS-228) of November 1st, 1941 at her commissioning. Rice and his crew conducted her shakedown from her commissioning until the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7th.

## Navy Cross citations

Throughout his career, Robert Henry Rice received several prestigious awards, including the following two Navy Cross citations:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Henry Rice (NSN: 0-61242), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DRUM (SS-228), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 17 April 1942 to 12 June 1942, in enemy controlled waters in close proximity to the enemy homeland coast. There, despite strong enemy anti-submarine measures and many navigational dangers, Lieutenant Commander Rice coolly and resolutely pressed home every favorable attack opportunity and succeeded in penetrating a screen to sink one enemy seaplane carrier of 9,000 tons, and three merchant ships totaling 15,000 tons. After three of these attacks, his submarine was the target for prolonged attacks by the enemy through which he brought his ship and personnel unscathed. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Henry Rice (NSN: 0-61242), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DRUM (SS-228), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 September 1942 to 8 November 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Lieutenant Commander Rice distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against armed enemy forces and by his skill, courage and determination succeeded in sinking 19,539 tons and inflicting damage upon one freighter of 6,700 tons. Despite the activity of numerous patrol craft engaged in anti-submarine measures in his area, he maneuvered his ship in such an expert manner that he brought it through without damage and his crew home without loss or injury. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.