The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Robert A. Underwood (MCSN: 270685), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Radioman-Gunner in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), during the Battle of Midway, 4 and 5 June 1945. Under withering fire, from enemy fighter planes and anti-aircraft batteries, Sergeant Underwood manned his rear-seat machine gun and radio with courageous efficiency throughout the duration of a search and attack mission on the night of 4 – 5 June, and again during an assault upon a Japanese battleship on the morning of 5 June. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.