The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Billy Ray Baker (MCSN: 2542949), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 April 1970, while the lead platoon of Company H prepared a night defensive position during a company-sized combat operation in Quang Nam Province, Lance Corporal Baker skillfully positioned his machine gun team in emplacements which could effectively cover possible avenues of enemy approach and, while he was thus engaged, the Marines came under a heavy volume of rocket-propelled grenade fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force. Reacting instantly, he fearlessly exposed himself to the hostile fire to pinpoint the hostile soldiers and direct the accurate suppressive fire of his men. With a marked increase in the tempo of battle, the machine gun nearest him became low on ammunition and he instructed a nearby Marine to procure additional rounds. Observing that the man was repeatedly forced back into his emplacement by the intensity of the North Vietnamese Army fire, Lance Corporal Baker valiantly braved the enemy fusillade as he raced across the fire-swept terrain to the nearest supply point but, as he was rushing back to the machine gun with the vitally-needed supplies, he was extensively wounded. Struggling desperately, he used his last remaining strength to crawl another twenty-five meters, dragging the ammunition behind him, until he lapsed into unconsciousness. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the enemy. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Baker upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.