John Drayton Baker

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John Drayton Baker (0-104123), Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FORTY-TWO (VF-42), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CBV-5), in action against Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. In company with three other fighters acting as escort for our own Torpedo Planes in an attack on an enemy carrier, Ensign Baker attacked and greatly assisted in the destruction of three enemy fighter planes. His daring and aggressiveness aided materially in the completion of the mission, resulting in the sinking of the carrier. That evening, as part of the combat air patrol, he attacked and dispersed a group of hostile Scouting Planes in the vicinity of our own carrier. He failed to return from this attack. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 2050 (May 8, 1942)