The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major [then First Lieutenant] Robert R. Baker (MCSN: 0-7469), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the New Hebrides Islands Area from 7 October 1942 to 17 October 1942. Major Baker completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 212 (VMF-212)Action Date:
October 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert R. Baker (MCSN: 0-7469), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), on Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, during the trying days of October 1942. On 28 October 1942, he was a member of a flight of fighters which intercepted an enemy bombing raid of sixteen enemy bombers and twenty-five fighters and destroyed twenty-three enemy planes in all. He personally shot down two enemy fighters. Lieutenant Baker also participated on numerous flights over enemy territory, aiding immeasurably in the defense of Guadalcanal.