The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Francis J. T. Baker, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while engaged in action against an enemy submarine as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CARTER on 22 April 1945. Upon gaining sonar contact on an enemy submarine under very adverse wind and sea conditions, he tracked the target with great skill, holding contact until his ship was in an advantageous position, then directed his ship in and attacked. Several hits resulted, followed by violent underwater explosions and the subsequent appearance of a large slick of oil on the surface of the water. The high type of seamanship and ship-handling displayed by Lieutenant Commander Baker, his ability to evaluate the situation quickly, and his splendid indoctrination of his crew, which resulted in the extremely accurate attack and probable destruction of the enemy, reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Baker is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)