The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Roland H. Kenton (NSN: 0-99742), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SEVENTY-ONE (VF-71), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942. Participating in an assault launched by a division of fighters, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kenton, pressing home his attacks with grim tenacity and superb flying skill, destroyed three Japanese patrol planes. Later in the same flight, taking part in persistent strafing raids against enemy fuel and ammunition dumps, stores, motor vehicles, buildings and personnel in the Solomon Islands, he contributed greatly to the reduction and occupation of those islands. His expert airmanship and aggressive fighting spirit in the face of great danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.