Rembrandt C. Robinson
Rembrandt Cecil Robinson (October 2, 1924 – May 8, 1972) was a United States Navy rear admiral who served in World War II and the Vietnam War. He died in a helicopter crash in the Gulf of Tonkin while coordinating a military operation and was the only Navy flag officer killed during the Vietnam War. His ashes were spread at sea from the USS Orleck off San Diego, and a memorial cross marks his grave in Arlington National Cemetery.
Born in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Issac and Helen Bailey Robinson. He briefly attended Pennsylvania State College (Penn State) before joining the Navy Reserve as a midshipman in 1943 and earning his commission as an ensign in 1944. He first served with the amphibious forces and on LST-485, taking part in the Invasion of Okinawa and in postwar refugee evacuations.
Robinson held many commands and staff positions. He served on several ships and earned the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service after North Korean shore batteries attacked the USS English in 1949. He worked at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, was executive officer of USS Walker (1954–56), and studied at the Armed Forces Staff College. He later worked in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. In 1959 he became commanding officer of the newly built USS Charles Berry, and soon after took command of USS Bradford. In 1962 he earned a BA in Social Sciences from George Washington University.
In 1964 he returned to the Pacific as Executive Assistant and Aide to the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet, earning his second Distinguished Service Medal. He then commanded Destroyer Squadron 31 (1968) and received a second Bronze Star for Vietnam combat operations. In 1969 he joined the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff staff group, working with Henry Kissinger on national security matters, and for this service he received a third Distinguished Service Medal. In 1970 he was promoted to rear admiral, becoming one of the Navy’s youngest flag officers.
In 1971 he commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 11 and the Seventh Fleet’s cruisers and destroyers. He helped plan Operation Pocket Money, the mining of Haiphong Harbor, carried out in 1972. On May 8, 1972, while flying to coordinate the operation, his helicopter crashed in the Gulf of Tonkin; he died, and the other crew members survived.
Robinson was survived by his wife Joan and their children. His awards include two Distinguished Service Medals and two Bronze Star Medals.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 21:02 (CET).