The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Ronald Blair Baringer (NSN: 0-299548), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Plane in a glide-bombing torpedo attack on a powerful enemy surface force when attached to Composite Squadron TWENTY (VC-20), aboard the U.S.S. KADASHAN BAY (CVE-76), in the Battle of Samar Island on 25 October 1944. Undeterred by the terrific curtain of concentrated anti-aircraft fire that was thrown up by all units of the closely grouped enemy fleet, he delivered his attack with bombs and rockets. With a complete disregard for personal safety, he skillfully dove his plane on a destroyer, crippling it seriously with a direct bomb hit. His courage and skill were at all times 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 Ensign Ronald Blair Baringer (NSN: 0-299548), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while piloting a Torpedo Bomber in an unsupported torpedo attack against three Japanese Battleships 30 miles east of Samar Islands about 0920 on 25 October 1944. At this time the enemy battleships were rapidly closing the range on the escort carrier groups and were laying shells across their wakes. A strike group, composed only of seven torpedo planes, was launched at the earliest possible moment with orders to distribute its attacks to cripple all units rather than destroy any one. Because of the speed with which the attack was initiated, Ensign Baringer was unable to join his division but managed instead to join with two unidentified torpedo planes which he led in an attack on the remaining un-engaged battleships. With no diverting attacks he flew through the intense anti-aircraft fire from all sides, pressed on to the dropping range and released his torpedo. The battleship maneuvered radically, unmasking and engaging him with every available gun at extremely close range. He was subject to the intense fire of all surrounding ships as he desperately maneuvered to get clear. Immediately following this attack the enemy fleet ceased fire on the carriers and retired to join its other damaged units.