The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Robert Cris Hagen, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Gunnery Officer aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. JOHNSTON (DD-557), in action against a large Task Force of the Japanese Fleet, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. With his ship a unit in the screen of a small group of escort carriers, Lieutenant Commander Hagen participated in an engagement unique in Naval history as to numbers and types of opposing forces. Under continuous surface fire from enemy heavy warships for a period of two and a half hours, he brought his ship’s guns to bear with telling effect on the advancing hostile forces and, although the JOHNSTON was hit many times and finally sunk, contributed to the great victory which was achieved by turning the enemy back. After abandoning ship, Lieutenant Commander Hagen organized survivors and rendered material assistance to the wounded during the long hours in the water. His gallant conduct throughout was an inspiration to those serving with him and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.