Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 28 (VB-28)

    Action Date:

    February 27 – June 8, 1945

    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 [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Robert Church Dykins, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Patrol Plane Commander of a Patrol Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT (VB-28), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific War Area from 27 February to 8 June 1945. Participating in twenty missions during this period, Lieutenant Dykins contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 28 (VB-28)

    Action Date:

    April 1 – 2, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Robert Church Dykins, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Patrol Plane Commander of a Mariner Aircraft, engaged in a hazardous night mission over enemy Japanese waters, Northeast of Hong Kong, on the night of 1 – 2 April 1945. Despite the threat of effective anti-aircraft fire from the target ship, another ship near by and coastal batteries, Lieutenant Dykins executed a series of daring and tenacious strafing attacks upon a 10,000-ton enemy tanker and then successfully bombed the ship at masthead level, thereby causing it to break in two and sink. In a fourth attack, he strafed a schooner and scored many hits upon the enemy ship. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.