Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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World War II - U.S. Army Air Corps

Addison Earl Baker

Details
  • Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    328th Bombardment Squadron, 93d Heavy Bombardment Group,
    8th Air Force
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army Air Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: August 1, 1943
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Ploesti, Rumania
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on 1 August 1943. On this date he led his command, the 93d Heavy Bombardment Group, on a daring low-level attack against enemy oil refineries and installations at Ploesti, Rumania. Approching the target, his aircraft was hit by a large-caliber antiaircraft shell, seriously damaged, and set on fire. Ignoring the fact he was flying over terrain suitable for safe landing, he refused to jeopardize the mission by breaking up the lead formation and continued unswervingly to lead his group to the target upon which he dropped his bombs with devastating effect. Only then did he leave formation, but his valiant attempts to gain sufficient altitude for the crew to escape by parachute were unavailing and his aircraft crashed in flames after his successful efforts to avoid other planes in formation. By extraordinary flying skill, gallant leadership, and intrepidity, Lt. Col. Baker rendered outstanding, distinguished, and valorous service to our nation.

Medal of Honor Recipient Addison E. Baker
Medal of Honor Recipient Addison E. Baker
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Akron, Summit County, Ohio
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: March 2, 1944

    at First Presbyterian Church, Akron, Ohio, by Brigadier General Uzal Ent, to his widow and parents.

  • Born: January 1, 1907, Chicago, Cook County, IL, United States
  • Died: August 1, 1943, Ploesti, Rumania
  • Buried: Arlington National Cemetery (before remains identified A.B.M.C. Florence Cemetery (Wall of the Missing) Florence, Italy), Arlington, VA
  • Location of Medal: National Museum of the US Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
 

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