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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Everett Ernest Baker (ASN: 17122788), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily in 1943. With cool combat courage during a heavy enemy attack by machinegun and rifle fire, Sergeant Baker beat off hostile infantry by continued firing on targets of opportunity when enemy soldiers exposed themselves. His action inflicted heavy losses on the enemy in their attempt to take the area occupied by his company. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 26, 1945
    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 137 (June 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Everett Ernest Baker (ASN: 17122788), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 26 February 1945. During action near Boich, Germany, Sergeant Baker assigned his light machine gun sections to the infantry platoons advancing on the heavily defended town and when one section was put out of action by intense enemy fire he personally manned their weapon and continued to direct accurate fire against a German pill box. Fearlessly exposing himself to direct enemy fire he silenced two German machine guns that were holding up the advance, picked up his machine gun and advanced on another enemy strong-point, firing as he ran. Although fatally wounded he continued to cover the assault until the position was reduced. Staff Sergeant Baker’s heroic, aggressive actions and supreme devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.