Thomas A. Baskin

The Navy Cross is presented to Thomas A. Baskin, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while on guard duty in the restricted magazine area of the Naval Air Station, Sitka, Alaska, on October 12, 1941. Private First Class Baskin detected a fire in the dynamite stowage consisting of two wooden buildings in which were stowed great quantities of dynamite and caps. Fully aware of the great personal danger to which he was exposed, he remained at his post of duty and continued his efforts to extinguish the fire. In the explosion resulting from the fire, he lost his life. Private First Class Baskin’s actions on this occasion characterizes conduct far above and beyond the ordinary call of duty and in keeping with the best traditions of the Naval Services.
Authority – USMC Communiqué: 298792 AW-vpd-lar (15 January 1942)