The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Paul Fash, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Undaunted by hostile anti-aircraft fire and strong airborne opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fash carried out an attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet, scoring a direct bomb hit to assist in sinking an enemy carrier and contributing to the success of the mission. By his skill as an airman and devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fash upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.