The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Robert W. Vaupell (MCSN: 0-7126), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), Marine Air Group TWENTY-FOUR (MAG-24), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 30 August 1942 to 8 October 1942. During a hazardous scouting mission, First Lieutenant Vaupell established contact with an enemy cruiser and three destroyers and, despite persistent attacks by aircraft serving as a protective cover for the vessels, he remained in an exposed position while the information was relayed to his base, Then, although suffering acutely from personal injuries, he fought his plane through intense anti-aircraft fire against enemy aircraft to deliver an attack on the hostile force. During the ensuing engagement, he destroyed one enemy plane. In four other flights, First Lieutenant Vaupell participated in vigorous attacks on a total of two cruisers and nine destroyers, inflicting serious damage on these warships. His superlative courage, unconquerable fighting spirit, and valiant disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.