Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

93rd Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

1943

Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 131

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

93rd Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

March 11th, 1944

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on 1 August 1943. On this date he led his command, the 93d Heavy Bombardment Group, on a daring low-level attack against enemy oil refineries and installations at Ploesti, Rumania. Approaching the target, his aircraft was hit by a large caliber antiaircraft shell, seriously damaged and set on fire. Ignoring the fact he was flying over terrain suitable for safe landing, he refused to jeopardize the mission by breaking up the lead formation and continued unswervingly to lead his group to the target upon which he dropped his bombs with devastating effect. Only then did he leave formation, but his valiant attempts to gain sufficient altitude for the crew to escape by parachute were unavailing and his aircraft crashed in flames after his successful efforts to avoid other planes in formation. By extraordinary flying skill, gallant leadership and intrepidity, Lt. Col. Baker rendered outstanding, distinguished, and valorous service to our Nation."

Awarded posthumously

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With oak leaf cluster