The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Robert Edward McHenry, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY (VT-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action on 24 October 1944, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant McHenry pressed home his torpedo attack, scoring a hit which seriously damaged an enemy battleship. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.