Robert Boyd Brazier

Robert Boyd Brazier (June 13, 1916 – June 4, 1942) was an Aviation Radioman in the United States Navy. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in the Battle of Midway, in which he was mortally wounded.

Navy career
Brazier enlisted in the Navy on October 6, 1939 and served continuously until killed in action during the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942. Gunner of a Torpedo-Squadron-3 airplane during that battle, Brazier "defended his plane by continuous gunfire against overwhelming fighter opposition until mortally wounded. After reporting his condition, he courageously performed essential radio operations which enabled the pilot to return to his own force." For his actions, Brazier was awarded, posthumously, the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Namesake
USS Robert Brazier (DE-345) was named in his honor. She was laid down on November 16, 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Corp., Ltd., in Orange, Texas, and launched on January 22, 1944. She was sponsored by Brazier's mother, Mrs. Celia Brazier, and commissioned May 18, 1944 with Lt. Comdr. Donald D. Snyder, Jr., USNR, in command.