Vice Admiral Arthur G. Robinson served during WWII as the Captain of the cruiser USS Marblehead. On a mission to intercept a large Japanese convoy, the Marblehead was attacked by 54 Japanese land based bombers in the Java Sea on February 4, 1942. Two bombs blasted holes in the hull below the waterline and for two hours the desperate crew fought to save the vessel, creatively using live steam from broken pipes to douse fires. Staying on the bridge for 60 hours without sleep, Admiral Robinson steered the ship 2,400 miles to Tjilatjap where temporary repairs were made. A lack of resources at Tjilatjap required the Admiral to steer the ship another 4,500 to South Africa where final repairs were made and the ship then returned to the U.S. Admiral Robinson received the Navy Cross for his "distinguished service" and "excellent seamanship" and was promoted to rear admiral. From 1946 to 1949 the Admiral served as the president of all military commissions convened for the Japanese war trials on Guam. He retired from the Navy in 1951. During his naval career, the Admiral received many medals which are included the this fantastic grouping. Housed in a presentation case, the medals are the following: Navy Cross, Legion of Merit with Combat V (two awards), Commendation Ribbon (two awards), Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Mexican Service Medal, Yangtze Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Philippine Defense Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Europe Clasp, Order of Orange-Nassau, Grand Officer, Order of the British Empire, Honorary Commander and Legion of Honor. Paperwork for several of the medals is included. Uniform accessories include a bicorn hat and two belts in case with the Admiral's monogram. Also included the bicron hat case is a second monogrammed case containing two Boatswain's call (one plain, the other ceremonial), Navy buttons and portapee. Oversized documents include a USS Marblehead homecoming poster, Navy Academy diploma, Army Industrial College diploma, photographs, commissions and period articles pertaining to the USS Marblehead. And finally three books: The Story of Dr. Wassell, Where Away and From the Bridge of the Marblehead.

The medals are fine with the ribbon on the Navy Cross torn. The bicorn hat is very good showing areas of wear. The bicorn hat case is very good showing wear and handling/storage marks. A grand grouping of personal effects from a World War II U.S. Navy hero.