Robert LEE Cliett

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Lee Cliett, Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Bombing Squadron ONE (VFB-1), embarked from the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at the Kure Naval Base, Japan, on 28 July 1945. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from numerous warships and from several strategically-located shore batteries, Lieutenant Commander Cliett courageously led his four-plane division through adverse weather in a well-coordinated attack against a heavy cruiser. Pressing home to low altitude, he scored a direct hit on the hostile vessel while other planes in his division obtained a second hit and a near miss, inflicting serious damage. By his airmanship and aggressive fighting spirit, Lieutenant Commander Cliett contributed materially to the success of an epic strike in which all capital ships of the Japanese Fleet near Kure were either sunk or damaged. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Division Task Force: Serial 02030 (October 12, 1945)