The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Robert H. Behn (NSN: 0-129783), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft and fighter opposition while participating in numerous and extremely damaging attacks against the enemy as pilot of a Torpedo bomber operating in the Solomon Islands area. Ensign Behn participated in a total of eleven strikes and ten missions against enemy-held airfields, supply areas and troops concentrations in the Solomons area. On 17 February 1944, Ensign Behn participated in a strike against enemy shipping in Rabaul Harbor securing a hit with a large bomb on an enemy transport vessel. This attack was made in the face of extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire. His alertness, skill and personal courage under strenuous combat conditions contributed greatly to the severe and costly damage which our air forces inflicted on the enemy in this area, and to the success of our air forces in keeping Vila, Kara, Kahili, Ballale, Buka, Bonis and the Rabaul airfields completely and continuously neutralized. The bravery and high devotion to duty continuously displayed by Ensign Behn were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.