Robert Curtis Lambert

On 4 July 1942, the steam Merchant ship "Norlandia", with Herbert Elvin Callis serving as Captain, was sailing unescorted and unarmed, under the American flag, 25 miles northeast of Cape Samaná, Samaná, Dominican Republic, when it was torpedoed by a German U-boat (U-575 specifically) commanded by Günther Heydemann. The ship was struck on the starboard side, suffering extensive damage, and began sinking by the stern after 15 minutes. Of the crew of 30 (8 officers and 22 crewmen), there were 21 survivors. Robert Curtis Lambert, a member of the eight-man engine crew, was one of the nine fatalities in the Norlandia sinking.

He was posthumously awarded the "Mariner's Medal" with the accompanying citation reading:

"By authority of the Congress of the United States, it is my honor to present to you, the father of Bob Curtis Lambert, the Mariner's Medal in commemoration of the greatest service anyone can render for one's country.

Mr. Lambert was lost when his ship, the SS Norlandia, was torpedoed and sunk by the enemy May 15, 1942. He was one of those men who today are so gallantly upholding the traditions of those hearty mariners who defied anyone to stop the American flag from sailing the seas in the early days of this republic. He was one of those men upon whom the nation now depends to keep our ships afloat upon the perilous seas - to transport our troops across those seas; and to carry them the vitally needed material to keep them fighting until victory is certain and liberty secure.

Nothing I can do or say will, in any sense, requite the loss of your loved one. He has gone, but he has gone in honor and in the goodly company of patriots. Let me, in this expression of the country's deep sympathy, also express to you its' gratitude for his devotion and sacrifice."

"Sincerely yours,
E.S. Land, Administrator,
War Shipping Administration"

Robert Curtis Lambert's father, C. B. Lambert, received the posthumously awarded medal and citation on behalf of his son.

On 13 March 1944, north of the Azores, U-575 was sunk by the combined efforts of the Canadian, American, and British military, utilizing depth charges from the Canadian frigate HMCS Prince Rupert, the American destroyer USS Hobson and the destroyer escort USS Haverfield, along with air attacks from No. 172 Squadron of the RAF, two Flying Fortresses of 206 and 208 Squadrons, and a TBM Avenger from USS Bogue. Eighteen sailors on U-575 perished and there were 37 survivors.