The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Danford M. Baker (NSN: 0-23383), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. While in command of a task unit of Landing Ships Tanks, Lieutenant Commander Baker organized and led succeeding echelons in the re-supply of Lae and Finschhafen without the loss or damage to a single unit of his force. He personally led his ships in the attacks on Japanese-occupied Cape Gloucester on 26 December 1943, and on Japanese-occupied Saidor on 2 January 1944. By his outstanding leadership, professional knowledge, sound judgment and courage, he assisted greatly in the coordination and execution of the movements of his task group and contributed materially to the success of the operation. His actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Baker is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)