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Navy Federal Credit Union
Addison
Earl
Baker
MIA (WWII) KIA
January 1, 1907

–

August 1, 1943

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Florence

Addison Baker initially enlisted as a private in the Regular Army in 1929, and received his wings and commission in 1931, before leaving active duty in 1932. He served in the Ohio National Guard and was recalled to active duty in 1940 and promoted to Captain. In February 1942, he joined the 93rd Bomb Group at Barksdale Field, Louisiana., and in May was promoted to major and given command of the group’s 328th Bomb Squadron as it left for the European Theater. In combat he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and Group commander by May 1943. He was one of five men (and one of three posthumous awards) to received the Medal of Honor for actions in the historic August 1, 1943, low-level bombing mission against Ploesti.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    93d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 10, 1943
    American Battle Monuments Commission

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Addison Earl Baker (ASN: 0-280827), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with as a B-24 Bomber Pilot with Headquarters, 93d Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombing mission in the Middle East Theater of Operations on January 10, 1943. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    93d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 18, 1942
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 131 (August 17, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Addison Earl Baker (ASN: 0-280827), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Combat Leader with Headquarters, 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in action on a bombing mission over enemy occupied Continental Europe, 18 November 1942. Colonel Baker directed a Heavy Bombardment Wing from his position in the leading airplane of the formation. Under his inspiring leadership, a highly important and heavily defended military objective was successfully bombed. The courage, skill and brilliant leadership displayed by Colonel Baker on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    93d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force (Attached)

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1943
    War Department, General Orders No. 20 (March 11, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Addison Earl Baker (ASN: 0-280827), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of while serving with the Headquarters, 93d Bombardment Group (H), Ninth Air Force (Detached from the Eighth Air Force), in action with the enemy on 1 August 1943. On this date Colonel Baker led his command, the 93d Heavy Bombardment Group, on a daring low-level attack against enemy oil refineries and installations at Ploesti, Rumania. Approaching the target, his aircraft was hit by a large caliber anti-aircraft shell, seriously damaged and set on fire. Ignoring the fact he was flying over terrain suitable for safe landing, he refused to jeopardize the mission by breaking up the lead formation and continued unswervingly to lead his group to the target upon which he dropped his bombs with devastating effect. Only then did he leave formation, but his valiant attempts to gain sufficient altitude for the crew to escape by parachute were unavailing and his aircraft crashed in flames after his successful efforts to avoid other planes in formation. By extraordinary flying skill, gallant leadership and intrepidity, Lieutenant Colonel Baker rendered outstanding, distinguished, and valorous service to our Nation.