Robert D. Kunkle, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U. S. Navy: For extraordinary heroism as Commander of a Catalina Patrol Plane in action against enemy Japanese forces off the north coast of New Britain Island on the night of December 28,1943. Flying his craft with outstanding skill and determination, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kunkle braved darkness and extremely adverse weather conditions to locate two Japanese destroyers, immediately launching a vigorous assault at mast-head level upon sighting the hostile vessels. When his bombs failed to release on the first run, he courageously pressed home a second attack and, diving through withering antiaircraft fire from the enemy ships and shore installations, succeeded in scoring two probable hits on one of the destroyers. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kunkle’s expert airmanship, cool courage under fire and resolute devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.