James F. Baker

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James F. Baker, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Platoon Leader with an Infantry Company. First Lieutenant Baker distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Surang-ni, Korea, on 24 April 1953. On that date, Lieutenant Baker was on a position which was under assault by artillery and mortar fire. Twice prevented from leaving the command post by hostile fire, Lieutenant Baker managed to extricate himself and moved among the men, at times engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy troops who had already overrun the position. When the ferocity of the battle forced the allied troops to withdraw to more tenable positions, Lieutenant Baker organized a small force and led them in an attempt to regain the lost position. The counter-attack was halted twice by heavy fire but on the third attempt Lieutenant Baker, through his inspirational leadership, led the men into the trenches and repulsed the hostile forces. He then immediately set up an effective defense and administered medical aid to the wounded. Upon the arrival of reinforcements, Lieutenant Baker turned his efforts toward the evacuation of casualties and refused to leave the outpost until he was assured that it was safe from further attack.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 596 (June 23, 1953)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James F. Baker, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 January 1945. Private First Class Baker’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.