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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major [then First Lieutenant]Batallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 212 (VMF-212)Action Date:
October 7 – 12, 1942
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.