The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Stanley Hudgins (NSN: 0-267146), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of Landing Craft Infantry Gunboat FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE (LCI(G)-471), operating as a unit of LCI(G), Group EIGHT, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the close-in fire support operations against Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 17 February 1945. By cool and capable direction he caused his ship to deliver effective gunfire against the enemy beach in the face of heavy fire from enemy shore batteries which caused heavy casualties to personnel and extreme damage to his ship. His performance of duty under the most adverse conditions was outstanding and his courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.