The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Gunner’s Mate Second Class Wayne Baker (NSN: 3561422), United States Navy, for heroic conduct while serving as a member of the U.S. Navy Armed Guard aboard the S.S. RICHARD BLAND when attacked by enemy German forces en route from Murmansk, Russia, to Loch Ewe, Scotland, on 10 March 1943. When his ship, after surviving one enemy torpedo attack, was again torpedoed by a German submarine which tore the vessel in half, Gunner’s Mate Second Class Baker assisted in lowering a life boat, but, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, refused to abandon the RICHARD BLAND in order not to overcrowd the boat. Remaining aboard the stricken ship, he watched until the craft was safely launched, then assisted in cutting the lines which enabled his comrades to escape from the sinking vessel. His gallant self-sacrifice and outstanding bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.