The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert James Barnes (NSN: 0-337248), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Theater from 18 October 1944 to 13 November 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Barnes completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Robert James Barnes (NSN: 0-337248), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy shipping in a harbor at Formosa on 15 January 1945. As wingman in a section of carrier-based dive bombers, he pressed home his attack on a large cargo vessel in spite of extremely adverse weather conditions and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from warships and shore batteries. With complete disregard for his personal safety he scored direct hits on his target, causing serious damage thereto. His skill, courage, and determination were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
EnsignBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 20 (VB-20)Division:
U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)Action Date:
October 24, 1944
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 035 (January 20, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Robert James Barnes (NSN: 0-337248), 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 TWENTY (VB-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during action against units of the Japanese Fleet in waters west of the Central Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 24 October 1944. Flying as wingman on a search and attack mission when an enemy task force was sighted and his division was assigned the Japanese battleship MUSASHI as a target, Ensign Barnes defied the withering barrages of anti-aircraft fire to dive low over the hostile warship and release his bombs at perilously low altitude to score direct hits which started fires and contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage on the Japanese vessel. His superb airmanship, inspiring courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Ensign Barnes and the United States Naval Service.