The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Herbert George Baker (MCSN: 1557100), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 2 July 1968, during Operation SCOTLAND II, a platoon from Company D was conducting a combat patrol near the Khe Sanh Combat Base when the Marines suddenly came under intense small arms fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force and sustained numerous casualties. Alertly observing the beleaguered Marines from his position within the company perimeter, Staff Sergeant Baker immediately organized his men into a reaction force to aid the heavily engaged unit. Rapidly deploying his machine-gun teams, he directed accurate suppressive fire against the North Vietnamese emplacements. Fearlessly advancing across the fire-swept terrain, he reached an advantageous position and skillfully directed suppressive fire upon the enemy forces. Ignoring the hostile rounds that impacted hear him, he steadfastly remained in his dangerously exposed position adjusting devastating counter fire and shouting words of encouragement to the men, which enabled numerous Marines to safely withdraw to the company perimeter. Continuing his determined efforts, Staff Sergeant Baker boldly supervised recovery teams and ably assisted in evacuating the wounded. His heroic actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of numerous Marines. By his superior leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Staff Sergeant Baker upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.