AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  F-6F

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Robert F. Kanze for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron Ten, attached to the U.S.S. Enterprise, in action against enemy Japanese forces west of the Marianas Islands, in June 1944. Escorting a flight of torpedo bombers on a search for enemy shipping on June 12, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant (junior grade) Kanze boldly led his division in repeated strafing attacks on a Japanese tanker and, rendering ineffective the anti-aircraft fire from the ship, enabled the torpedo bombers to close in and sink the hostile craft. Continuing the flight, he maneuvered his division into position for an attack on a low-flying enemy reconnaissance plane with the resultant destruction of the hostile airship. Participating in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on June 19, he personally engaged two enemy dive bombers in action and, pressing home his daring attacks, shot them down in flames. By his superb airmanship, gallant fighting spirit and inspiring leadership, Lieutenant Kanze contributed materially to the success of our operations in this strategic area, and his personal valor in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.