The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Richard Swan Baron (NSN: 0-58842), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as District Issuing Officer on the Staff of the Commander in Chief, SIXTEENTH Naval District, Cavite Navy Yard, Philippine Islands, during the bombardment of that station by enemy Japanese forces on 10 December 1941. Lieutenant Commander Baron entered a burning building at considerable risk to his life to recover confidential publications and carry them to safety to prevent their loss or the possibility of their falling into enemy hands. He later was sent to Cebu where he organized and commanded a defense unit. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.