Cosgrove, Robert Donald

Date of birth:: January 9th, 1919 (New Orleans/Louisiana, United States)
Date of death:: March 22nd, 2005 (New Orleans/Louisiana, United States)
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Robert Cosgrove was born on January 9th, 1919 in New Orleans. He attended Tulane University and graduated with Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1939. Joined the Navy and attended flight training in Miami and Jacksonville. He was an instructor until assigned to VT-15. Cosgrove was deployed on USS Essex (CV-9) from May through November 1944. He retired as Captain.
Robert Donald Cosgrove passed away on March 22, 2005.

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: December 17th, 1944

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron Fifteen (VT-15), attached to the U.S.S. Essex (CV-9), in action against the enemy Japanese Fleet during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 24 October 1944. Skillfully leading his division into the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Cosgrove pressed home a close-range attack to obtain a torpedo hit on a hostile battleship. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

General Orders: Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0451 (December 17, 1944)

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Commander
Unit:: Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FIFTEEN (VT-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, on 12 September 1944. Participating in a daring strike against a concentration of enemy shipping, Lieutenant Commander Cosgrove skillfully pressed home his determined attacks in the face of fierce anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct hit to sink an enemy merchant ship. By his superb airmanship, courage and tenacious devotion to duty throughout this hazardous engagement, Lieutenant Commander Cosgrove contributed materially to the ultimate success of our forces in this strategic area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

At the time of the action he still held the rank of Lieutenant.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Commander
Unit:: Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FIFTEEN (VT-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, from 23 to 27 July 1944. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Lieutenant Commander Cosgrove participated in air support flights during which he bombed and strafed hostile installations, thereby contributing materially to the success of his squadron in inflicting damage on the enemy. His skilled airmanship and courageous devotion to duty in the face of hostile opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second DFC received in the form of a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.
At the time of the action he still held the rank of Lieutenant.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Commander
Unit:: Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FIFTEEN (VT-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Formosa, Manilla Harbor and in the vicinity of Luzon from 13 October to 13 November 1944. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, Lieutenant Commander Cosgrove carried out a torpedo attack on elements of the Japanese Fleet and bombed and strafed an airfield and hostile shipping, thereby contributing materially to the success of his squadron in inflicting damage on the enemy. His skilled airmanship and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Third DFC received in the form of a second golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.
At the time of the action he still held the rank of Lieutenant.