The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Freligh, 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 THIRTEEN (VT-13), attached to the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 24 October 1944. Participating in a daring torpedo attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Sibuyan Sea, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Freligh skillfully fought his plane in the face of intense enemy Naval anti-aircraft fire and, although forced to make an emergency water landing after repeated damage to his plane by hostile gunfire, accurately launched his torpedo to score a direct hit upon a Japanese battleship. By his skilled airmanship, courage and determination, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Freligh contributed materially to the success of his Squadron in this important engagement. His conduct upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.