Donald F. Baker

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Warrant Officer Donald F. Baker (W3155673), United States Army. For gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force: Warrant Officer Baker distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1C armed helicopter that was part of a fire team stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base. The fire team had just returned from its third mission for the night when the air base came under heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack. As Warrant Officer Baker pushed his crew into a bunker, he was wounded in the leg and thigh by shrapnel from an enemy rocket. Disregarding his own wounds, he led his crewmembers to the aircraft, and he quickly became airborne. He proceeded to the closest enemy positions and placed accurate and devastating fire on the insurgents. He continually exposed himself to intense hostile fire so as to illuminate the area. His exemplary courage and consummate skill enabled the fire team to silence most enemy automatic weapons positions, and receive credit for the death of 177 insurgents. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, APO San Francisco, General Orders No. 5933 (28 August 1968)