The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Robert Edward Arthur (NSN: 337247), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy shipping on 13 November 1944, and in the Manila Bay Area. As pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber he participated in a coordinated attack against enemy shipping in a harbor heavily-fortified by anti-aircraft fire. Making his dive through smoke from other burning vessels and in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from ship and shore batteries he pressed home his attack and scored a direct bomb hit on a large Japanese merchant vessel. As a result of this hit the ship sank. His skill, courage and determination were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.