Daniel Wirt Baker

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Daniel Wirt Baker (0-278225), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTEEN (VB-18), embarked from the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 24 October 1944. as Pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Baker participated in an attack which contributed materially to the annihilation of an enemy Battle Task Force. He scored a confirmed hit on a rapidly-maneuvering battleship, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. The action, in which he was an integral part, successfully accomplished in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft barrages, removed a serious threat to our ground forces in the Philippine Islands. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0764 (October 14, 1945)

Personal Awards: Navy Cross (WWII), 2@ Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medal