Baird, Robert, Col

His Navy Cross Citation Reads:

For extraordinary heroism as Pilot of a fighter plane in Marine Nignt Fighting Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY THREE in action against enemy japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Group, on the nights of 9 June, 16 June and 13 July 1945. Courageous and aggressive while engaged in combat air patrol, Captain Baird skillfully employed his radar to make contact with an enemy reconnaissance plane on 9 June and striking quickley and furiously at low attitude, destroyed the hostile plane. again, on combat air patrol on the night of 16 June intercepted an enemy bomber and pressing home a determined run, shot down the hostile plane. later, on the same night by making use of his radar, he established contact with another plane and shot it down. Captain Baird's fourth kill came during the period of night of 13 July when, after establishing radar contact with an enemy bomber, he fearlessly closed in and firing bursts from all six guns, shot down the hostile aircraft. his courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.