The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Ensign George M. Baker (NSN: 0-283194), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism beyond the call of duty while attached to the Carrier Aircraft Replacement Pool in assisting in the control of dangerous fires caused by the crash of a Liberator Bomber on Stickell Field, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands. On the night of 9 August 1944, a Liberator loaded with bombs and ammunition and destined for a mission against an enemy-held base, went out of control on take-off and crashed among hundreds of parked carrier aircraft. The ensuing crash caused numerous fires and terrific explosions. He repeatedly entered endangered aircraft in close proximity to the fires and explosions in an effort to taxi the planes clear of the danger area, on one occasion entering the cockpit of a burning Avenger-type plane and endeavored to release the arresting hook to facilitate the towing of the plane and thereby clear a fire path. His devotion to duty and total disregard for personal safety were far beyond the line of duty and well in keeping with the highest traditions of United States Naval Service.