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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.
Description Operation Flintlock was the campaign against the Japanese in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific theatre of World War II, from 31 January to 4 February 1944. The operation involved the invasions of Kwajalein, Eniwetok, and Majuro atolls. Admiral Nimitz, Commander of the U. S. Pacific Fleet, chose two islands in Kwajalein Atoll, Roi-Namur Island and Kwajalein Island, as primary targets in the U. S. invasion of the Marshall Islands. Kwajalein Atoll contained communication and weather observation units and two Japanese airstrips on Roi-Namur and Kwajalein Islands, a seaplane base situated at Ebeye Island, a submarine base at Roi-Namur Island, and other Japanese installations scattered on various islands throughout Kwajalein atoll. Kwajalein atoll, particularly Roi-Namur and Kwajalein Islands, were subjected to heavy bombardment. This attack also sank a large number of Japanese ships in Kwajalein Lagoon. Bitter fighting between Japanese forces and the U. S. 4th Marine Division on Roi-Namur, and the U. S. 7th Infantry Division on Kwajalein, resulted in a U. S. victory on 4 February 1944. The attack of the Japanese in the Marshall Islands was the first US attack, and capture, of Japanese territory, since the land was held by Japan before the start of World War II. The capture of Kwajalein Atoll during Operation Flintlock provided American forces with a base of operations that assured the recapture of the Philippines and eventually the fall of Japan.
