The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, [then Ensign] Arthur Stanley Roberts, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Navigator of a Naval Bombing Plane in Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED EIGHT (VB-108), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands on 2 December 1943. Capably performing his duties during a 2,000 mile search and reconnaissance flight over enemy territory, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Roberts rendered invaluable service to his pilot in the pursuit and destruction of an enemy four-engined flying boat and, undaunted when his radar and radio equipment became damaged beyond repair, skillfully used celestial navigation for six and hone-half hours despite adverse weather. In addition to his duties as navigator during the exhausting fourteen-hour patrol flight, he took photographs of the enemy plane and rendered first aid to his severely wounded pilot. By his expert navigation, cool courage, and unfaltering devotion to duty , Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Roberts contributed materially to the successful completion of an important mission and to the safe return of the plane and crew. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.