The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert Randolph Ayres, Jr. (MCSN: 0-10288), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Captain Ayres participated in nineteen attack missions against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area during the period from 1 February 1943 to 2 March 1943, from 15 April 1943 to 1 May 1943, and from 1 August 1943 to 8 September 1943. On 1 February 1943, in an attack on twenty enemy destroyers off Kolombangara Island, Captain Ayres scored a near miss. Again, on 7 February 1943, in an attack on twenty enemy destroyers southwest of Rendova Island he scored a direct hit though his plane had been knocked over on its back by anti-aircraft fire just before entering the dive. As a result of the attacks two destroyers were sunk, and three were severely damaged, one of which was observed dead in the water. Intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition was encountered. The remaining attacks were against enemy installations on Munda and Vila aerodromes, and on Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island. Captain Ayres scored hits on the runways, supply dumps, gun positions, a radio station, and bivouac areas, inflicting serious damage, including destruction of the radio station, and causing many casualties among enemy personnel. Heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered each time. His courage and airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.