The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Robert Eikel, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of an LCI(G) Close-in First Support Unit, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tanapag Harbor, Saipan Island, on 26 June 1944. Skilled in directing his ships through intense darkness and under difficult navigational conditions, Commander Eikel boldly repulsed an attack of heavily armed enemy barges, preventing the tactical movement of enemy troops by sea and possible danger to our ships and planes anchored in the area. Later, after leading a small detachment of troops aboard a stranded hulk used by the enemy as a sniper’s nest, Commander Eikel neutralized this menace to our force by destroying four Japanese soldiers hidden on board. His aggressive leadership, great personal valor and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.