Robert W. Hayler

The light cruiser Honolulu, which Hayler commanded between July 1942 and March 1944.

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States's entry into World War II, Hayler still served at Newport, but requested sea duty and was appointed commanding officer of the light cruiser USS Honolulu in July 1942. He immediately directed his ship to the Aleutian Islands in North Pacific ocean in August that year and took part in the bombardment of Kiska. Hayler then returned with Honolulu to Mare Island Navy Yard for some upgrades and repairs and embarked for South Pacific, escorting a convoy to Nouméa, New Caledonia in early November 1942.[1][2][10][5]

Later that month, Honolulu sailed from Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides Islands to intercept a Japanese Navy convoy attempting to reinforce their positions on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. During the Battle of Tassafaronga on the night of November 30, 1942, Hayler and his Honolulu were part of the task force of five cruisers and six destroyers which attacked the Japanese convoy and sank one enemy destroyer at the cost of four damaged American cruisers. One of the four, USS Northampton, sank several hours later. His seamanship in bringing the Honolulu through without damage and his leadership under fire were direct factors in the sinking of the Japanese destroyer and contributed to the turning back of the enemy forces. For his service at Tassafaronga, Hayler was decorated with his first Navy Cross, the Navy's second highest military decoration for valor.[1][2][5]

USS Honolulu operated out of Espiritu Santo in early 1943 in an attempt to engage the "Tokyo Express". Her commanding officer Hayler received the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for his service. During May, Honolulu engaged in bombardments of New Georgia in the Solomons supporting the landings on Rendova Island on July 4, 1943. Two days later, Hayler and Honolulu fought in the Battle of Kula Gulf, in which two enemy destroyers were sunk and two damaged. For his service on Rendova and Kula Gulf, Hayler received his second Navy Cross.[11][1][2][12]

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 then commanded Honolulu in the Battle of Kolombangara on July 12, 1943, when he participated in the interception of a Japanese troop convoy. In the ensuing action, the Japanese sank one Allied destroyer and damaged three cruisers. They were also able to successfully land 1,200 ground troops on the western coast of Kolombangara but lost one light cruiser sunk with all hands in the process. Hayler handled his ship skillfully, evading three hostile torpedoes fired at Honolulu and eventually, when his vessel was hit by a fourth, ably directed damage control and finally brought his crippled ship safely into port. For his service at Kolombangara, he was decorated with the Silver Star.[1][2][13][5]

The torpedo which hit the Honolulu blew off her bow as far back as the forward turret (the ship was also holed in the stern by a torpedo which did not explode) and Hayler was forced to retire to Tulagi for temporary repairs, and then departed for the large naval base at Pearl Harbor, arriving in mid-August 1943. The damage was so serious, that Honolulu was ordered to Mare Island Navy Yard, near San Francisco for more work. The repairs were completed in mid-November and Hayler steered Honolulu back to the combat area in the South Pacific.[1][2][5]

After returning to the Pacific in December 1943, Hayler commanded the Honolulu during the bombardment of Bougainville, where she destroyed concentrations of troops, supplies and barges. He then took part in the screening operations during the landings at Green Island and then withdrew from the area in order to prepare for the Mariana Islands Operation. The Honolulu received a Navy Unit Commendation for her actions under Hayler's command.[1][2][5]

Hayler (right with glasses) relieves “Tip” Merrill (left) as Commander, Cruiser Division 12 on March 26, 1944.

Hayler (right) and Captain Robert B. Simons, USN, Commander of the Naval Torpedo Station Alexandria examines paperwork at circa 1945. Hayler commanded the station in 1939-1942.

Hayler was promoted to rear admiral in March 1944 and succeeded Aaron S. Merrill as Commander, Cruiser Division 12, which consisted of the Cleveland-class light cruisers Cleveland, Columbia, Montpelier, his flagship Denver and several destroyers. He then participated in the assaults in the Marianas which captured Saipan, Tinian and Palau, and received the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and a second Bronze Star Medal for his services.[1][2][12][5]

At the end of October 1944, Hayler's division participated in the Battle of Surigao Strait (the last battleship-to-battleship action in history) during the recapture of the Philippines. As a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers advanced under cover of darkness toward the Allied invasion fleet in the Leyte Gulf, the left flank of the defending American force opened the battle: destroyers launched torpedo attacks against them as Hayler's cruisers maneuvered into gunnery range and opened fire.[1][2][5]

After the Japanese fleet was repelled by the combined American fleet, Hayler was detached to pursue the retreating Japanese warships and close the battle as he had opened it. For his part in the Battle of Surigao Strain, Hayler was decorated with his third Navy Cross.[1][2][5]

Afterwards, Hayler and his ships supported the amphibious invasion of Leyte, the largest amphibious operation in the Southeast Pacific Area. He received his second Legion of Merit for his leadership. Hayler was ordered back to the United States in March 1945, where he served as a member of the General Board of the Navy until the end of the war.[1][2][14]