The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Elmo Clinnard Baker (AFSN: 3026432), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 31 August 1967, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Colonel Baker resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major Elmo Clinnard Baker (AFSN: 0-3026432), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with air operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-105 Aircraft of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, in action near Bac Giang, North Vietnam on 23 August 1967. On that date, Major Baker led the first element of F-105 Thunderchief fighter-bombers against the heavily defended Bac Giang railroad and highway bridge. Major Baker’s excellent positioning of his element for its bombing attack, his total disregard for his own personal safety during the intensive anti-aircraft fire, and his unerring delivery of his ordnance after having sustained a direct hit on his aircraft, contributed immeasurably toward the complete success of the mission. In addition, his humanitarian concern for the safety of the civilian population of a hostile nation was exemplified when Major Baker flew his burning aircraft toward uninhabited terrain prior to bailing out. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Baker has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Elmo Clinnard Baker (AFSN: 0-3026432), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with air operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-105 Aircraft of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, and Force Commander of sixteen F-105 Thunderchief aircraft in action over North Vietnam on 2 August 1967. On that date, Major Baker led a force through adverse weather, Surface-to-Air Missile threats, MiG threats and heavy anti-aircraft defenses, to successfully attack and destroy the Thai Nguyen thermal power plant, a vital facility comprising seventeen percent of the nation’s thermo-electric power. He courageously led the force into the heavy blanket of flak covering the target, and delivered his ordnance directly on target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Baker has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.