Robert H. Rice
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Robert Henry Rice | |
|---|---|
 Midshipman Robert H. Rice | |
| Born | November 17, 1903 |
| Died | May 20, 1994 (aged 90) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Service years | 1927–1957 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands | USS S-30 (SS-135) USS S-24 (SS-129) USS Sequoia USS Drum (SS-228) USS Paddle[1] USS New Jersey (BB-62)[2] |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Awards |  Navy Cross (2)[3][4]
 Bronze Star |
| Alma mater | United States Naval Academy |
| Spouse | Eunice Willson |
| Relations | CAPT Herbert P. Rice (Brother)[5] ADM Russell Willson (father-in-law)[6] |
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.[7][8][9]
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, and 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.[10]
Early naval career
Ensign Robert Henry Rice's first assignment after graduating from the Naval Academy was aboard the battleship USS Texas.[11] In 1930, Rice was promoted to lieutenant junior grade (LTJG) and was transferred to the heavy cruiser USS Pennsylvania.[12] The following year, LTJG Rice was transferred to the gunboat USS Luzon, where he performed patrols along the Yangtze River in China in 1931 and 1932.[13]
In 1933, Rice was ordered to Naval Submarine Base New London, to be qualified as a submarine officer.[14] He was subsequently assigned to USS S-12.[15] 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.[16] In 1937, Rice was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander and was given command of the submarine S-30.[17] He held that command until 1940, when he was transferred to command the Secretary of the Navy's yacht, USS Sequoia.[18]
