The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Robert Thornton Gordon, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against an enemy Japanese naval Task Force in the Solomon Islands Area, on 24 August 1942. Delivering a vigorous and determined attack against a Japanese battleship, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gordon, by his aggressive fire, contributed materially to the probable destruction of that vessel. His courage in combat and his conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.