The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Greenleaf Brice (NSN: 0-263868), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during offensive air operations against enemy shipping on 5 November 1944, in Manila Bay in the Island of Luzon of the Philippine Group. On this occasion, in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brice courageously pressed an attack upon an enemy heavy cruiser of the NACHI Class. He made a direct hit upon this target which together with other hits in subsequent attacks led to the sinking of the vessel. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brice’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Greenleaf Brice (NSN: 0-263868), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. Fearlessly pressing home his attack to low altitude in the face of accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire from the formidable enemy disposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brice succeeded in scoring a direct hit upon a Japanese aircraft carrier of SHOKAKU class, contributing to its rapid sinking. Undaunted in the face of relentless, devastating anti-aircraft fire, he rendered gallant service during the bitterly fought engagement in which all carriers, a light cruiser and a destroyer of the enemy’s task force were sunk and heavy bomb and torpedo damage inflicted on battleships and other important naval units. By his daring airmanship, exceptional courage and steadfast devotion to duty through a perilous assignment, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brice contributed materially to the sinking of this valuable enemy fighting unit and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.