Rear Admiral Robert Witcher Copeland (September 9, 1910 – August 25, 1973) was a United States Navy officer who served during World War II.

Copeland practiced law from 1935 until 1940, when he was ordered to active duty during the Navy's pre-World War II expansion.

According to the action report of the USS Samuel B. Roberts, "The crew were informed over the loud speaker system at the beginning of the action, of the Commanding Officer's estimate of the situation, that is, a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival could not be expected, during which time we would do what damage we could.

"[1] Following World War II, Copeland resumed his law career while remaining a member of the Naval Reserve, in which he rose to the rank of Rear Admiral.

This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Naval History and Heritage Command.