The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Robert Harvey Jennings, Jr. (NSN: 0-105968), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VF-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Southern Kyushu, Japan, on 18 March 1945. While escorting bomber and torpedo aircraft in a strike against a heavily-defended enemy airfield, Lieutenant Commander Jennings engaged and shot down in flames a hostile fighter and then unhesitatingly dived to score a direct hit on an automatic anti-aircraft gun position. Later, he went to the aid of a torpedo bomber besieged by three Japanese fighter planes and, by his courage and skill in single-handedly repelling numerous attacks, was instrumental in preventing loss and further damage to his flight. His outstanding airmanship, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.