The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Robert Featherstone Birch (NSN: 0-125490), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Inland Sea of Japan, on 24 July 1945. Leading a Division of nine dive bombers on a strike against an enemy battleship, Lieutenant Birch skillfully maneuvered in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire and, pressing home his attack, scored a direct hit amidships which contributed materially to the subsequent sinking of the warship. His airmanship and determination in the completion of his mission reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Birch and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Robert Featherstone Birch (NSN: 0-125490), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), during an attack against an enemy battleship in the Tokyo Bay Area, Japan, on 18 July 1945. Lieutenant Birch skillfully and courageously pressed his attack home in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire scoring a hit on the target which contributed materially to the severe damage suffered by the warship. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.