The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Ernest W. Baker (NSN: 0-402948), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber plane in a carrier strike against major units of the Japanese Fleet at Yokosuka in Tokyo Bay on 18 July 1945. Ensign Baker skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a dive bombing attack on an enemy battleship. During this action, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he scored a direct hit with his bomb which contributed materially to the damage of the vessel. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.