Bard, Ralph A. (Ralph Austin), 1884-1975

Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1941-1944, Under Secretary of the Navy, 1944-1945.

Bard was responsible for all matters relating to civilian personnel and the general administration of the Navy Department. Divisions under his control included Shore Establishments, Transportation, Supervision and Management, the Administrative Office, and the Management Engineer's Office. He instituted a sweeping industrial relations program, covering such areas as training, classification, safety, labor relations, recruiting, and efficient use of manpower, and established a Personnel Relations Division in every major naval activity. These efforts resulted in there being no strike or work stoppage at any Navy activity during World War II. Upon becoming Under Secretary on June 24, 1944, Bard added responsibility for all Navy uniformed personnel to his other duties. Bard received the Distinguished Service Medal for his work in the Navy Department.