The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Robert Henderson Holmes, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BENNION (DD-662), in action against enemy Japanese forces while assigned to Radar Picket Duty off Okinawa from 1 April 1945 to 1 June 1945. When his ship was attacked by enemy suicide and dive bombing planes on nineteen occasions, Commander Holmes directed the accurate delivery of gunfire from his batteries, succeeding in destroying thirteen enemy aircraft while the Combat Air Patrol under his command accounted for twenty-three planes and possibly four others. Although the BENNION suffered minor damage and casualties from two near-misses by suicide planes, he continued to fight his ship skillfully during this action and contributed materially to our success in this strategic area. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.