The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Ralph Jacob Baum (NSN: 0-75096), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 20 – 21 March 1945, while serving as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. THE SULLIVANS (DD-537), engaged in operations against the enemy off the coast of Japan, and assigned the task of covering the withdrawal of a badly damaged destroyer from enemy waters. He directed the successful withdrawal with superb skill and determination despite two days of enemy aircraft attacks and the hazards of enemy submarines. His courage, determination, and devotion to duty in the execution of this task as well as his brilliant defense of the crippled unit 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 the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Ralph Jacob Baum (NSN: 0-75096), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as the Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. THE SULLIVANS (DD-537), assigned as a screening vessel to a Task Group protecting the withdrawal of two severely damaged ships, under tow, from enemy waters during the period 13 to 17 October 1944. By outstanding seamanship, his ship performed the missions of rescue, transferred personnel under adverse conditions of win and sea and under enemy air attack. The excellent performance of his ship when in the screen contributed greatly to the successful accomplishment of the salvage mission. His courage, leadership and skill were at all times an inspiration to his men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.