Robert Semple

Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Occupation of Veracruz

Lieutenant Commander Robert Semple (18 August 1887 - 13 May 1943) was a U.S. Navy officer who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Occupation of Veracruz.

Robert Semple was born on 18 August 1887 in Pittsburgh, PA, and became famous as the Chief Gunner in the U.S. Navy stationed aboard the USS Florida (BB-30).

Semple achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He received the Medal of Honor for his service during the Veracruz campaign. He also received the Navy Cross for his service in the North Sea minefields during World War I.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Chief Gunner, U.S. Navy

Citation: For meritorious service under fire on the occasion of the landing of the American naval forces at Vera Cruz on 21 April 1914. C.G. Semple was then attached to the U.S.S. Florida as a chief turret captain.

Death and Burial

Lieutenant Commander Robert Semple died on 13 May 1943. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA, in Section OS-A, Grave 192.