Robert Ellington Dixon

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Robert Ellington Dixon, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane and Commanding Officer of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. With an enemy aircraft carrier as the objective, on 7 May Lieutenant Commander Dixon led his squadron on a determined dive bombing attack in which he dived to a low altitude and, in the face of heavy antiaircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition, dropped his bomb on the deck of a carrier, thereby aiding in the total destruction of that vessel. On 8 May, having sighted a vastly superior enemy Japanese air force, he remained on station to report its movement and disposition to his squadron, then engaged in search operations. These scouting and bombing missions so courageously undertaken and skillfully executed by Lieutenant Commander Dixon and the units of the squadron under his command, were distinctive contributions to the ultimate victory attained by our forces. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (October 1942)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Ellington Dixon, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane and Commanding Officer of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Commander Dixon led his squadron 125 miles over uncharted mountains and jungles, to press home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking three of them. Lieutenant Commander Dixon’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.