The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Ralph D. Spalding, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED TEN (VPB-110), in action over Europe on 3 September 1944. Lieutenant Spalding volunteered to complete alone a mission which he knew was hazardous and might possibly cost his life. He carried out his lone flight with great professional skill and thereby struck a severe blow to Germany’s strategically located and heavily defended outposts. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.