The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Robert Jerome Kiechlin, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary as Boat Wave Commander of Amphibian Tractors during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Betio, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. During the initial assault on strongly defended enemy-held territory, Lieutenant Kiechlin skillfully assembled, directed and guided this wave of amphibious tractors to the beach in the face of intense Japanese machine-gun fire from the shore and the pier. After the landing, he cooperated with the Boat Control Officer for four days in controlling and dispatching craft despite continuous enemy resistance. His inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous mission reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Kiechlin and the United States Naval Service.