Robert W. Hayler
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Robert Ward Hayler was a highly decorated officer in the United States Navy with the rank of vice admiral. He was a three time recipient of the Navy Cross, the Navy's second highest military decoration for valor. Two of these awards were received while serving as the commanding officer of the light cruiser USS Honolulu at Guadalcanal and Kula Gulf and the third as a rear admiral and Commander, Cruiser Division Twelve during the Battle of Surigao Strait in October 1944.
The light cruiser Honolulu, which Hayler commanded between July 1942 and March 1944.
Collapsed bow of the light cruiser Honolulu, after she was torpedoed in the Battle of Kolombangara on July 13, 1943. Hayler was able to return with his ship to the U.S. for repairs.
Hayler (right with glasses) relieves “Tip” Merrill (left) as Commander, Cruiser Division 12 on March 26, 1944.
Carleton F. Bryant
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Carleton Fanton Bryant was a highly decorated officer in the United States Navy with the rank of Vice Admiral. He distinguished himself as Commander of the Gunfire Support Group of the Assault Force "O" during the amphibious invasion of the coast of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944.
Bryant (left) and Captain Charles A. Baker, Commanding Officer, USS Texas on board Texas with a German 240mm (9.4) dud shell that hit the ship during the bombardment of Battery Hamburg, east of Cherbourg, France, on June 25, 1944.