The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Mr. Ralph A. Bard, a United States Civilian, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Assistant Secretary of the Navy from 24 February 1941 to 24 June 1944, and as Under Secretary of the Navy from 24 June 1944 to 1 July 1945. Holding these vital posts during the most critical period in the history of the Nation, Mr. Bard rendered services of inestimable value to the Navy and to his country. Responsible for the administration of the Navy’s industrial shore establishments and civilian manpower, he exercised extraordinary foresight and judgment in directing and supervising the expansion of activities under his cognizance to a point where the Navy had become the largest single direct employer of industrial labor in the world. Advised by a battery of experts, he closely examined every phase of modern industrial relations, subsequently aiding the Secretary of the Navy in the formulation of the Navy’s plans and policies with regard to labor and management and in launching a tremendous industrial relations program which resulted in an unparalleled record of production unmarred by any labor strife despite the critical problems encountered as labor, private management and the Navy united to produce the ships, planes, guns and ammunition required to maintain a fighting Navy. Top Navy liaison man with the War Manpower Commission, the Selective Service System and the War Production Board, Mr. Bard effected a sound coordination of policy with the other branches of the Armed Forces and with other agencies of the government. Under his forceful and discerning leadership, an unusually high standard of performance was maintained in naval shore establishments and in the Navy Department itself throughout the war years. His absolute integrity, deep understanding of human values and uncompromising devotion to the interests of his country were in keeping with the highest traditions of patriotic service.