Robert Thornton Gordon

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Thornton Gordon, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), embarked from the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against Japanese forces on 24 August 1942, in the Eastern Solomon Islands. Ensign Gordon’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.