The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Robert Doughtry Harris, Jr. (NSN: 0-532866), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-TWO, embarked in U.S.S. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42). On 2 December 1966, Commander Harris was assigned to lead the eight plane flak suppression element for a 33-plane strike against the Van Dien vehicle depot less than five miles south of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Assisting the strike leader in the planning, Commander Harris made a thorough, detailed study of enemy defenses, and evolved and briefed a plan directing each member of the element to attack two of the 55 gun positions in the target area. As briefed, Commander Harris led his element deep into the enemy’s heartland ahead of the main striking force, thus bearing the brunt of the initial opposition. While the flight was south of the target area, the enemy launched the first of many surface-to-air missiles at Commander Harris and his flight, but he pressed on with courageous determination. Opposed in the target area by an awesome and withering hail of missiles and anti-aircraft fire, Commander Harris inspired his element with superb airmanship and matchless courage. With the rest of the element following his lead, Commander Harris made two attacks and silenced two gun sites in the face of fierce opposition. So successful was Commander Harris’ element in accomplishing their mission of suppressing the enemy defenses that all aircraft returned safely to the carrier. Commander Harris’ valiant courage in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles, superb air discipline, and truly inspirational leadership were largely responsible for the success of the mission, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.