The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Robert E. Brownell (NSN: 0-98596), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane on 9 August 1945. He led his flight against enemy war vessels in Onagawa Bay, Honshu. Carefully selecting an enemy destroyer as his target he scored a direct bomb hit which severely damaged the vessel and materially contributed to its sinking. His skill and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.