The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Charles E. Baker (MCSN: 0-55326), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a Marine Fighting Squadron in Korea. On 15 June 1953, Second Lieutenant Baker led a flight of Marine jet fighter-bombers on a close air support mission against a heavily defended bridge over which enemy troops and supplies were moving in an all-out effort to advance. Promptly locating the objective Second Lieutenant Baker immediately initiated a daring dive bombing attack and despite its accurate hostile anti-aircraft fire scored a direct bomb hit. He then led repeated low-level assaults that destroyed the bridge and inflicted heavy enemy casualties. Regrouping his division, Second Lieutenant Baker sighted a carefully camouflaged enemy ammunition dump in the immediate area and after receiving permission, directed the flight in several coordinated assaults. Diving through an intense barrage of defensive fire to low level, he again scored direct hits with his bombs that caused large secondary explosions. His exceptional bombing accuracy and exemplary leadership were responsible for the success of a mission that substantially reduced pressure on front line units of the United Nations ground forces. Second Lieutenant Baker’s courageous conduct, outstanding initiative and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.