Robert D. Kunkle

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert D. Kunkle, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Catalina Flying Boat while on patrol off the north coast of New Britain on 28 March 1944. Locating two Japanese destroyers, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kunkle immediately launched a vigorous attack at mast-head level only to have the run go for naught when the bombs failed to release, Undismayed, he wheeled about and pressed home a second attack, diving through a withering sheet of antiaircraft fire from the two ships and from enemy shore installations to score two probable hits on one of the destroyers. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kunkel’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 337 (April 1945)