The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral Wilder DuPuy Baker (NSN: 0-8703), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Task Force NINETY-FOUR (TF-94), in the Pacific theater of operations from June 1943 to March 1944. During this period, Rear Admiral Baker operated the forces under his command under adverse weather conditions, conducting the first surface bombardment of the Japanese home islands and led the first offensive operations into the Sea of Okhotak. His courage, professional ability and outstanding leadership were responsible for the successful completion of all operations undertaken against the enemy without casualties or damage to his own forces. Rear Admiral Baker’s conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
August 18, 1944 – January 25, 1945
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01223 (February 5, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Wilder DuPuy Baker (NSN: 0-8703), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Commander, Second Carrier Task Force, Pacific, from 18 August 1944 to 25 January 1945. His complete grasp of the manifold functions involved in connection with operations against the enemy in the Palau Islands, the Philippines, the Nansei Shoto Group, Formosa, and the coast of Indo-China was a vital factor in the highly efficient execution of these missions. His professional skill in maneuvering the ships of the Task Force against sustained enemy aerial attack not only was instrumental in bringing an extremely high percentage of ships unscathed through these actions, but made possible the infliction of tremendous damage on the enemy by the aircraft based on carriers in the Task Force. His diligence, indefatigable energy and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Baker is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Task Group 38.1Action Date:
October 13 – 15, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Rear Admiral Wilder DuPuy Baker (NSN: 0-8703), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Chief of Staff to the Commander of Task Group THIRTY-EIGHT POINT ONE (TG-38.1) during the period 13 through 15 October 1944, off Formosa. Rear Admiral Baker’s skillful high speed maneuvering and use of smoke by the Task Group, while interposing itself between two crippled cruisers and the major enemy air threat, enabled their successful withdrawal and eventual salvage. He resolved the problems presented by repeated and persistent air attacks and he maneuvered the Task Group with such skill and exceptional judgment that the enemy was forced to break off his attacks after suffering heavy losses. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.