Robert E. Ries, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert E. Ries, Jr., Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), embarked from the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action on 24 August 1942, while deployed in the Solomon Islands. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.