The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Howard J. Baker (NSN: 0-185163), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a U.S. Naval Patrol Plane attached to Patrol Squadron SIXTY-THREE (VP-63) during an attack on an enemy submarine in the Straits of Gibraltar on 24 February 1944. While U.S. Naval Patrol Plane PBY-5, Number 02437 was engaged in carrying out a patrol mission, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Baker, exercising exceptional skill and perseverance, successfully utilized highly technical search equipment to detect the presence and accurately determine the location of an enemy submarine. Displaying keen initiative and resourcefulness, he promptly called for the assistance of surface craft in the patrol area to conduct a coordinated attack. As successive positions of the enemy craft were tracked and positively marked by his aircraft, he, with a smart display of airmanship and aggressiveness, delivered sever determined and highly effective low altitude bombing attacks against the enemy, which caused severe damage to and materially contributed to the ultimate complete destruction of the submarine. The extraordinary ability, prompt and decisive action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Baker were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Howard J. Baker (NSN: 0-185163), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of the aircrew of a U.S. Navy Patrol Bombing aircraft engaged in anti-submarine operations in the Bay of Biscay and the Western Approaches to the United Kingdom during the period from 25 July 1943 to 15 December 1943, when enemy fighter aircraft patrols were usually expected to be encountered in this area. Twenty flights were completed in this active combat area as Patrol Plane Commander.