The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Medical Corps) Robert J. Baker (ASN: 0-1920817), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On the night of 17 March 1952, Lieutenant Baker, serving as a medical platoon leader, was given the mission of maintaining close medical service to a friendly battalion engaging the enemy in a counter-attack in the vicinity of Kimnan-ni, Korea. During the period that he was holding sick call the foe began shelling the battalion headquarters and aid stations, severing communications between the two installations. Realizing immediately that his patients were in grave danger from the enemy artillery barrage, and the lack of proper communications, Lieutenant Baker ordered and assisted in their evacuation to the comparative safety of nearby bunkers. Upon hearing the distressful cries of wounded trapped in the critical battalion headquarters area, he dashed through the fierce enemy mortar and artillery fire to the shell-torn position and aided in evacuating the wounded. Simultaneously upon returning to his bunker and being hailed by his executive officer, an enemy artillery round exploded in the immediate area and succeeded in seriously wounding the approaching officer and throwing Lieutenant Baker to the ground. Although dazed and stunned, he quickly regained his senses and assisted in carrying the wounded officer to a nearby bunker. After a rapid examination, Lieutenant Baker realized that the officer was in critical condition and that his only chance of survival was in an immediate blood transfusion. Unhesitatingly and with utter and complete disregard for his personal safety, he raced through the devastating hostile fire to secure the badly needed plasma. Disregarding a painful back injury that he sustained from the blast of an enemy artillery round while returning with the plasma, Lieutenant Baker continued on his mission of mercy and administered proper medical aid to the officer. Still refusing evacuation, he assumed all administrative functions and prepared his battalion against more anticipated enemy aggression. Lieutenant Baker’s intrepid gallantry under enemy fire, and untiring devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.