Baker, James A. "Jim"

Date of birth:: March 11th, 1922 (Plevena/Kansas, United States)
Date of death:: June 3rd, 2013
Service number:: 39478576
Nationality:: American

Biography

James Baker enlisted on June 20th, 1944 in Seattle, Washington and departed for service in Italy on January 4th, 1945. He served with the 10th Mountain Infantry Division in the Northern Appenines and Po Valley. Departed from Italy on May 17th, 1945 and arrived in the United States on June 7th, 1945. Seperation from service on November 20th, 1945 at San Francisco, California.

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Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Private 1st Class
Unit:: Company I, 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, U.S. Army
Awarded on:: July 3rd, 1945

Citation:
"For heroic achievement in action on 16 April 1945, near Mt. Croce, Italy. When it became necessary to establish a command post on a high mountain, Private First Class Baker unmindful of the dense mortar shelling, machine gun and sniper fire, heroically led a party up the steep slopes of the mountain to the forward position. During the dangerous ascent of the mountain he remained calm and composed in spite of the imminent danger to his own life and successfully led the command post party to its destination. Later while serving as a messenger he was wounded by sniper fire. As a result of his bravery, devotion to duty and skillful scouting ability he materially aided his battalion in accomplishing its missions. His superior conduct under enemy fire and sturdy courage are exemplary and elicit high praise and commendation in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army."