The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Robert A. DeLong (MCSN: 0-41810), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as a Rifle Platoon Leader, attached to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 3 May 1945. Deploying his platoon to attack a heavily fortified enemy strong point composed of automatic weapon positions and concrete reinforced caves, Second Lieutenant DeLong braved the fire of a hostile machine gun as he led a flanking party around a Japanese emplacement. Although severely wounded and knocked to the ground by this fire, he rallied himself when his flame thrower operator was killed in an attempt to burn out the hostile position. Crawling to the side of the casualty, he succeeded in removing the apparatus and in shooting the flame into the embrasure of the fortification. With the enemy gun continuing to fire, Second Lieutenant DeLong persevered in his mission until he was again severely wounded and rendered unconscious. By his courageous action in diverting the attention of the Japanese, he enabled his men to flank the cave and destroy the weapon and its crew. His gallant leadership and indomitable fighting spirit under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.