The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert M. Applegate, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane in an attack on major units of the Japanese Fleet at the Kure Naval Base on 24 July 1945. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire of all types from warships and numerous shore batteries, he courageously pressed home a dive bombing attack on a heavy cruiser. When his flight was intercepted by enemy fighters, he valiantly and successfully protected the bomber formation by aggressively attacking a numerically superior force that had altitude advantage, and succeeded in shooting down one and probably destroying another enemy plane. His conspicuous and indomitable fighting spirit were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.