Quick Facts
Biography
Robert Walter Rolf (born 26 August 1914 in Rock Island, Illinois) was an American Naval officer. He attended Augustana College in his hometown before enlisting in the U.S. Naval Reserve at Chicago, Illinois, 5 August 1941.
Navy career
Rolf began his training at the U.S. Naval Academy 9 January 1942, accepted appointment as midshipman, USNR, 9 February, and was promoted to ensign 5 May. After duty at San Diego, California, further training at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, and assignments at the Norfolk Naval Base and Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas, he was promoted to lieutenant, junior grade. Rolf was appointed commanding officer of an LCI(L) effective 12 June 1942.
Awarded the Navy Cross
He was killed in a Japanese bombing raid 6 September and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his outstanding behavior as commanding officer of a disabled landing craft which he skillfully beached at enemy-occupied Lae on New Guinea. Lieutenant (junior grade) Rolf:
- " ... personally led a party in extinguishing the numerous fires aboard, carrying on his dangerous task under repeated enemy bombing and strafing attacks until he was killed by Japanese fire. As a result ... his ship was saved for further active service."
Namesake
USS Rolf (DE-362) was named in his honor. She was laid down 20 March 1944 by Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas; launched 23 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Martha M. Rolf, mother of Lieutenant, j.g. Rolf; and commissioned 7 September 1944, Lt. Comdr. Lester E. Hubbell, USNR, in command.