The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Frederick Brooks (NSN: 0-157323), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces in the vicinity of the Island of Luzon on 17 October 1944. As leader of a section of carrier-based fighter planes, he participated on a long range fighter sweep. Encountering numerous groups of enemy aircraft, he aggressively attacked these planes, destroying three before fuel shortage forced him to return to base. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.