The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Field Artillery), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Herschel D. Baker (ASN: 0-11391), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion near Sbeitla, Tunisia, on 17 February 1943. When a large number of enemy tanks threatened to complete a double envelopment of his command, Colonel Baker went forward under very heavy tank fire and, standing in an exposed position, coolly supervised the orderly withdrawal of the battalion. Colonel Baker’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 (Field Artillery) Herschel D. Baker (ASN: 0-11391), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, during the period from January to April 1943. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.