The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Richard Alexander Haines, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving Assistant to the Damage Control Officer on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. NEW ORLEANS (CA-32), during action against enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island, on the night of 30 November 1942. When his ship was struck by a torpedo forward, Lieutenant Haines, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, remained at Central Station to assist in the control of damage until he finally succumbed to an asphyxiating gas which had been generated by the explosion. His courageous spirit of self-sacrifice, maintained above and beyond the call of duty, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.