The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Lawrence Mini, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VT-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet off Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. During a torpedo attack against a strong enemy Task Force, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Mini braved a barrage of intense anti-aircraft fire to launch a single-handed strike and score a direct hit which completely disintegrated and sank a large hostile destroyer. His outstanding airmanship and devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.