The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Frank O. Baird (NSN: 3290766), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity against the enemy while serving as a Corpsman in the Aid Station of a Marine Infantry Battalion on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 5 March 1945. Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Baird volunteered to go to the aid of a seriously wounded Marine who lay fifty yards forward from the lines in an exposed position. Two other men who had attempted to rescue the wounded man had been forced to withdraw because of heavy enemy machine gun fire. With utter disregard for his personal safety he ran directly into the line of fire and reached the wounded Marine. With enemy rifle and machine gun fire directed at him constantly, he rendered first aid treatment to the Marine. Unable to move his patient because of the intensity of the enemy attack, he continued to treat the casualty until one hour later when the front line moved forward. Then, still under heavy fire, he carried the wounded Marine to safety. His courageous conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Pharmacist’s Mate First ClassDivision:
4th Marine DivisionAction Date:
February 1, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Frank O. Baird (NSN: 3290766), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against hostile Japanese forces on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, 1 February 1944. When an enemy ammunition dump exploded wounding a Marine near him, he went to his assistance through falling debris and enemy rifle fire and with total disregard for his own safety rendered first aid while in an exposed position. A short time later he crossed 15 yards of open terrain swept by cross fire from enemy machine guns to again go to the aid of a wounded comrade who was in a shell hole, and rendered first aid under rifle fire from an enemy sniper in a high vantage point. Throughout the action he exposed himself freely in a similar manner in the performance of his duties and was of great assistance in caring for and evacuating the wounded. His fearless devotion to duty was outstanding and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.