The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Robert Ellsworth Thomas, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. NEVADA (BB-36), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Despite heavy enemy bombing, strafing and torpedo attacks Ensign Thomas, battery officer on the 5″ anti-aircraft battery of the U.S.S. NEVADA, although seriously wounded and handicapped by heavy casualties to the personnel of the battery maintained a highly effective fire from his battery. The conduct of Ensign Thomas throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.