Robert B. Downes

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert B. Downes, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as First Lieutenant on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Franklin (CV-13), which was striking the Japanese home islands in the vicinity of Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. When the FRANKLIN was struck by enemy bombs which caused tremendous fires and explosions among a large number of fully armed and fueled planes both on the flight deck and in the hangar, Lieutenant Commander Downes organized firefighting and damage control parties, jettisoning hot ammunition and bombs, some of which were extricated from amidst the wreckage of burning aircraft and were so heated and damaged it was impossible to defuse them. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Downes throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.