The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Martin Harris (NSN: 0-278370), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in a Four-Plane Division of Fighting Squadron SEVEN (VF-7), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against units of the Japanese Fleet in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. After escorting twelve bomber planes safe to the target, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Harris supported his Division Leader in a bold and determined attack on an enemy battleship, scoring two effective rocket hits and strafing gun positions on deck. By his audacious strike, pressed home to a perilous, low altitude in the face of vigorous and concentrated anti-aircraft fire from heavy units of the Japanese Fleet, he gallantly diverted the fire of the enemy upon himself, thereby aiding the bombing planes following him to complete their vital mission. His cool courage, utter disregard for personal safety and unwavering devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.