The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Edgar Braddy, Jr. (NSN: 0-61341), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BERNADOU (DD-1253), in leading the assault against hostile forces during the occupation of the harbor of Safi, French Morocco, 8 November 1943. Before daylight on 8 November 1942, Lieutenant Commander Braddy in the BERNADOU led the assault on the Harbor of Safi. With gallantry and intrepidity at grave risk of his own life, the lives of his crew and the embarked assault troops he navigated his ship successfully through the narrow entrance and into the harbor in the face of heavy fire from three shore batteries and several machine gun emplacements. While thus engaged he beached his ship in the crowded harbor and landed the assault troops. Lieutenant Commander Braddy thereafter greatly assisted the successful action of the assault troops with accurate fire from the BERNADOU’s main battery. The fact that his exceptional feat was accomplished in almost total darkness without loss of life and disabling damage to the BERNADOU are testimonials to the valor, intelligence and seamanship of this gallant officer, and reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.