The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert R. Johnson, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander of a Bombing Squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway on 6 June 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Commander Johnson led his squadron through a continuous barrage of anti-aircraft fire in persistent bombing and strafing attacks against fleeing enemy forces, obtaining a near-miss astern which damaged the steering gear of one of the enemy ships. His courageous leadership and conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of a highly important mission contributed materially to the victory achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.