Douglas B. Baker

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Douglas B. Baker, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Baker distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Germe de Madalaine du Cunel, France, 12 – 13 October 1918, in laying wires under heavy artillery fire.

Home of Heroes: Melrose, Massachusetts

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Douglas B. Baker, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bois-de-Beuge and Bois De La Pultiere, October 9 – 15, 1918. During the period October 9 – 15, 1918, Lieutenant Baker made frequent trips through heavy shell, gas, and machine-gun fire to repair broken telephone and telegraph wires, and when they could no longer be repaired he personally carried messages through the shell-swept area. On October 15 he personally reconnoitered the Bois De La Pultiere under heavy machine- gun and shell fire in an endeavor to find a suitable location for his regimental post of command.