The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal David R. Baker (MCSN: 2032366), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 March 1966, while serving as a Squad Leader during a company search and destroy operation near the village of Phuoc Loc, Corporal Baker observed a Marine machine gun position out of action as the entire company was abruptly subjected to intense enemy combined arms fire. Realizing the urgent need for fire superiority, Corporal Baker unhesitatingly ran from his covered position across twenty meters of flat terrain through a treacherous volume of fire to the stricken crew and machine gun. He immediately put the machine gun into operation and commenced to deliver accurate fire on the enemy. As the opportunity presented itself during the heavy exchange of fire, Corporal Baker evacuated three wounded members of the machine gun team to a rear area where medial aid could be administered. Throughout this performance of courageous action, Corporal Baker maintained command of his squad, which aggressively continued to deliver fire on the enemy positions. By his heroic actions and fearless fighting spirit in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Baker upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.