The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Robert Walker Kimbrel, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane in in Bombing Squadron ONE (VB-1), Air Group ONE (AG-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CVL-10), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Mariana Islands, during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Cool and courageous in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from hostile warships and strong enemy fighter opposition, Lieutenant Kimbrel gallantly participated in a determined glide bombing attack which resulted in at least three direct hits on a large enemy aircraft carrier. His superb airmanship, and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.