The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunner’s Mate Second Class Robert Willis Bass (NSN: 0-8298294), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as a Member of a Naval Combat Demolition Unit of the 7th Beach Battalion, during the amphibious assault on the Normandy Coast of France on 6 June 1944. Gunner’s Mate Second Class Bass and his crew, although subjected to heavy artillery, machine gun and rifle fire, succeeded in blowing a fifty-yard gap through the beach obstacles. As a result of enemy fire seven of the twelve-man crew were killed or wounded and a large share of the extra work fell on Bass who performed the duties coolly and capably without regard to personal safety. Upon completion of the mission Gunner’s Mate Bass further exposed himself to enemy fire and was wounded himself while carrying injured crew mates to safety. His display of courage and devotion to duty on this occasion reflects the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.