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 Commander Robert James Morgan (NSN: 0-81262), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane and the Air Group Strike Leader of a carrier based fighter, dive bomber and torpedo flight in operations against the enemy at the Japanese Naval Anchorage, Kure, Honshu, Japan, on 24 July 1945. Lieutenant Commander Morgan calmly directed a coordinated bombing attack on an enemy battleship carrier and heavy cruiser which resulted in severe material damage to these vessels. He t hen skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a determined attack through the overcast against an enemy battleship, and in the face of intense and heavy anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and ground installations, scored a direct large caliber bomb hit which contributed materially to the destruction of this vessel. Under his inspiring leadership, a direct large caliber bomb hit was scored on the target by his wingman, and each pilot of the second section scored very near misses. On retiring from the target through anti-aircraft fire, he and his wingman attacked and strafed two 150 ton cargo vessels south of the target, exploding and sinking one and damaging the other. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.