The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Robert Andrew Knopf, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VB-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of the Naval Base at Kure, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Participating in a closely coordinated strike against an enemy battleship and its destroyer-cruiser screen, Lieutenant Knopf dived through intense anti-aircraft fire to press home his attack which contributed materially to the infliction of damage on the hostile force. His skill, courage and devotion to the completion of a perilous assignment were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.