The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Robert Leslie Blyth (NSN: 0-320460), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-SEVEN (VF-27), in action against enemy forces on 21 September 1944. In an air battle, which developed during the first carrier-based air raid on Manila since the enemy occupation of that city, he shot down two enemy planes and damaged one other in the air. He strafed and damaged one enemy aircraft on the ground in spite of intense anti-aircraft fire. He flew wing so well that his section leader was greatly aided in shooting down four enemy planes during the same battle. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.