Lieutenant Commander
AARON FREDERICK BEYER, JR.
U.S. Naval Reserve
Commanding Officer
USS RAYMOND (DE 341)
NAVY CROSS
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington
The President of the United States takes pride in
Presenting the NAVY CROSS to
AARON FREDERICK BEYER, JR., LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of a Destroyer Escort, the U.S.S. Raymond, in a surface engagement with a large task force of the Japanese Fleet in the Battle of Samar Island in Philippine waters on 25 October 1944. With outstanding skill, Lieutenant Commander Beyer maneuvered his little ship under intense fire from enemy heavy forces vastly superior in numbers, armament and armor. By his own courage and gallant determination, he gave encouragement to his officers and men during this crucial ordeal. His heroic actions have brought great distinction upon himself and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States."
For the President,
/s/ James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy