Robert Martin Harris

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Martin Harris, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Division Leader in Fighting Squadron SEVEN (VF-7), embarked from the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Harris’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.