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.