The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Radioman First Class Robert Lee Pettit (NSN: 3108990), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as First Radioman of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron ONE HUNDRED ONE (VP-101), Patrol Wing TEN (PatWing-10), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces located near Jolo, in the Philippine Islands, on the morning of 27 December 1941. When his PBY-4 Catalina was attacked during an assault on enemy shipping, and despite the fact that his aircraft was flooded with aviation gasoline from perforated tanks which then caught fire, Radioman Pettit remained at his post until he was mortally wounded. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.