New Navy Ship Named After Farmington Hills Veteran Robert Simanek

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI — A new Navy ship is being named after 90-year-old Robert Simanek, a Farmington Hills man who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Korean War.

The new vessel, an Expeditionary Sea Base named the USS Robert E. Simanek honors the Farmington Hills veteran and will "carry on the Navy's sacred mission to secure the sea lanes, stand by our allies, and protect the United States against all adversaries," according to Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite.

"I didn't think having a ship named after me would happen," Simanek said. "I was tickled to death when I found out about it."

Simanek enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1951. He joined Company F, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines in 1952 as a rifleman and radioman.

Simanek was a 22-year old Private 1st Class in 1952 when his squad was ambushed by Chinese troops, according to county officials. Simanek threw himself onto a grenade to absorb its blast and save his fellow soldiers from injury or death despite already being injured by shrapnel.

He survived while sustaining serious leg wounds. After a nearly year-long recovery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The honor of having a ship named after him this year is but the latest recognition for service to his country. In addition to the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart, he also was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars.

"Mr. Simanek, a long-time Oakland County resident, is the epitome of an American hero," Oakland County Executive David Coulter said in a statement. "I'm in awe of his selfless act of bravery nearly 70 years ago and so happy for him and his family today. Not only did he receive the Medal of Honor for his valor, but now a Navy vessel with his namesake will be supporting Marines across the globe."

The USS Robert E. Simanek is currently scheduled to be completed in 2024, according to the county. The ship will perform a variety of missions, including launching helicopters, small boats, unmanned surface vehicles, special operations, troop transportation and maintenance services, officials said.