Robert Charles Coats

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Charles Coats, 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 Squadron SEVENTEEN (VF-17), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action on 18 May 1945, while deployed over Kyushu, Japan. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.