The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Robert E. Ries, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in combat with the enemy during the Solomon Islands Campaign, on 24 August 1942. Ensign Ries, without regard for extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire, mad an unsupported torpedo attack against a Japanese Task Force with precision, vigor, and heroic determination thereby insuring that a direct hit was scored on a Japanese heavy cruiser in the center of the task force. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.