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 Commander Robert Crozier Barnes (NSN: 0-82498), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy. Lieutenant Commander Barnes serves as Squadron Commander and Pilot of Fighter Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VF-81) aboard the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE-62) on 6 January 1945. When he sighted a twin-engine enemy aircraft approaching friendly forces he aggressively attacked with no regard for its defensive armament. He attacked with such skill and marksmanship that the enemy aircraft was destroyed before reaching its goal. Shortly thereafter on the same flight he sighted another enemy aircraft approaching our surface forces. He again attacked and destroyed the second plane within close range of the friendly forces he was protecting. His aggressive flying, able marksmanship, and devotion to duty is considered to have saved friendly forces from a damaging attack. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Crozier Barnes (NSN: 0-82498), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the completion of twenty strikes or flights during which he has attacked the enemy or has met enemy opposition or has been subjected to enemy attack or in active combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred, while serving with a squadron based aboard an escort carrier engaged in operations against the enemy at the Philippine Islands from 2 January 1945 to 7 February 1945.