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.