The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Thomas A. Baker, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Baker distinguished himself as Deputy Director of Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff Plans and Operations; Director of International Programs, Deputy Chief of Staff Programs and Resources; and Director of Personnel Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff Manpower and Personnel, Headquarters United States Air Force, Washington, District of Columbia, from 28 July 1982 to 20 September 1985. During this period, General Baker made significant contributions to the combat capabilities of the United States Air Force, our allies and friendly foreign air forces throughout the world. General Baker’s dynamic leadership and superb record of achievement in conceiving and implementing plans and programs, in improving the lives of military people, in ensuring the combat readiness of the Air Force, and in planning for the Total Force will have a profound and lasting impact. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Baker reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant GeneralAction Date:
November 1988 – July 1990
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Thomas A. Baker, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Deputy Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command; Deputy Commander, United States Forces Korea; and Commander, SEVENTH Air Force, United States Forces Korea; and Commander, Air Component Command, from November 1988 to July 1990. General Baker provided unparalleled leadership and guidance to the joint/combined staffs of the military services of the Republic of Korea and the United States throughout the entire period of his command. As a result of his total involvement and dedication to excellence, these warfighting commands deterred external aggression, maintained the armistice, and fostered a stable environment in which the people of the Republic of Korea could flourish. His efforts in these demanding positions have assured that the highest interests of the United States have been established and will continue well into the future. The distinctive accomplishments of General Baker reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant GeneralAction Date:
July 10, 1990 – June 30, 1992
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Thomas A. Baker, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Baker distinguished himself as Vice Commander, Tactical Air Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and Commander, Headquarters TWELFTH Air Force and United States Southern Command Air Forces, Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas, from 10 July 1990 to 30 June 1993. As Vice Commander, Tactical Air Command, he provided senior officer oversight for the largest deployment of aircraft in Tactical Air Command’s history supporting Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM. His foresight and deft management resulted in Air Staff approval of over two hundred million dollars increased funding for critical Tactical Air Force warfighting programs in the 1991 budget. As Commander, TWELFTH Air Force, General Baker’s dynamic leadership and devotion to duty resolved many complex problems of major importance during the relocation of the TWELFTH Air Force to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. He provided exceptional leadership ensuring the availability of Air Force assets to support the United States national counter-narcotics strategy in Latin America. In both assignments, General Baker’s emphasis on improving the quality of life for his people and the warfighting capability of his forces will have a lasting impact on this nation. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Baker culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Thomas A. Baker, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Baker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.