Robert THOMAS Baker

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert Baker for gallantry in action on 16 February 1967. Specialist Four Baker distinguished himself while serving as a Senior Rifleman in the 3d Platoon, Company C, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry. The company was moving to rescue the 1st Platoon, which had become surrounded by a North Vietnamese Army Battalion. Once the company had fought through to the 1st Platoon, the enemy attempted to attack the company from the flank, but the intense fire placed on the North Vietnamese by the 3d Platoon forced them to fall back. When one of the enemy managed to hurl a grenade into the perimeter, Specialist Four Baker, without regard for his own safety, exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to kill the enemy soldier who threw the grenade and shout a warning to his comrades. His warning saved the lives of at least four men, and his instantaneous action prevented the threat of any further grenades. Responding immediately to a call for help to evacuate the wounded, Specialist Four Baker again disregarded danger to himself and moved through the intense enemy fire to carry many of the wounded personnel to safety. Specialist Four Baker’s superb example of personal bravery was an inspiration to his fellow soldiers, as they repelled the vicious enemy attack. His unimpeachable valor in close combat against a numerically superior enemy force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.