The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John W. Baker, Jr. (ASN: ER-54000023), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 3 June 1951, in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. On that date, Company E was attacking well-entrenched enemy positions. When his platoon was suddenly pinned down by heavy enemy machine gun fire, without regard for his personal safety, Sergeant Baker immediately advanced into the hail of enemy fire until he reached a position from which he was able to deliver counter fire. His accurate fire was directly responsible for silencing enemy positions and allowing his platoon to advance. Sergeant Baker, in a final effort to observe closely the enemy positions, moved forward into open terrain but was seriously wounded. He refused to leave until he had organized the defense of the secured objective. The inspiring leadership and gallant conduct of Sergeant Baker on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.