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 Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Robert H. Isely (NSN: 0-73652), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while leading his Torpedo Plane Squadron in four assaults against Palau on 30 – 31 March 1944. Commander Isely skillfully directed the laying of mine fields which completely blocked the main channel to Pauau Harbor. His squadron seriously damaged several enemy vessels by rocket and bombing attacks and destroyed six important Japanese ships in the face of severe anti-aircraft fire.