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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Charles Adams Baker (NSN: 0-9630), United States Navy, for meritorious performance of duty as Commanding Officer of the Battleship U.S.S. TEXAS (BB-35) during the amphibious assault on Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944, and the bombardment of heavily casemated enemy installations at Cherbourg, France, 25 June 1944. While under accurate and persistent enemy fire from heavy casemated coastal batteries, Captain Baker displayed outstanding ability, initiative, mature judgment, and inspiring leadership. He skillfully and efficiently handled his ship under the most adverse conditions, taking advantage of every opportunity to close the enemy and accomplish his assigned missions. Captain Baker’s cool, courageous leadership, his total disregard for his own personal safety, and his tenacity of purpose were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Texas (BB-35)

    Action Date:

    March 25 – May 14, 1945
    Combat Division FIVE: Serial 049 (June 3, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Charles Adams Baker (NSN: 0-9630), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Battleship U.S.S. TEXAS (BB-35), in action supporting the landing on and occupation of Okinawa and Ie Shima in the Nansei Shoto from 25 March to 14 May 1945. Though operating in waters known to have been mined in the presence of coast defense guns and under repeated attack by enemy air force and constant threat of enemy suicide weapons, Captain Baker handled his ship with such great skill and resourcefulness that it was able to inflict great damage on enemy installations. By inspiring leadership and tireless vigilance he kept his ship at a peak of operational efficiency in spite of the difficulties involved in such a task in a ship of the TEXAS Class under long operational strain. His resourcefulness and courageous leadership and his devotion to duty reflect credit not only upon himself but also upon the United States Naval Service. (Captain Baker is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)