The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Robert Jellison Landes (NSN: 0-314645), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. REID (DD-369), when that vessel was attack and sunk by enemy Japanese aircraft in the Mindanao Sea, Philippine Islands, on 11 December 1944. With his ship seriously damaged, listing violently and in imminent danger of sinking during a sudden, vicious attack by ten hostile planes, Ensign Landes immediately proceeded to the top of the number one fireroom hatch to ascertain the extent of damage and render assistance wherever possible and, upon hearing the abandon ship order, refused to leave the stricken vessel until assured that his men were safe. Valiantly risking his life, he courageously proceeded below decks to aid in the evacuation of his men and while carrying out his perilous task, lost his life when the vessel capsized two minutes after the first bomb struck. His daring aggressiveness, great personal valor and grave concern for the safety of others in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon Ensign Landes and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.