The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman First Class Robert E. Ranes, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as turret gunner in a carrier-based torpedo plane. Between the dates of 30 March 1944 and 12 June 1944, in the vicinity of the Palau Islands, the Western Caroline Islands, Western Dutch New Guinea, Truk, the Eastern Caroline Islands, and Guam, he participated in bombing attacks on enemy ground installations and shipping which resulted in damage to and the destruction of airfields and installations, grounded aircraft, buildings and warehouses, and enemy shipping. On 20 June 1944, he also participated in an unassisted, unescorted four plane torpedo attack on a carrier task group of the enemy fleet. In spite of the fact that anti-aircraft fire of this enemy carrier task group was concentrated on these planes, the attacks were driven home to close range and hits were scored on a large enemy carrier which resulted in the sinking of the carrier. These attacks were pressed home with skill and determination despite the fact that they were executed in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire and his skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.