The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Ben E. Baker (MCSN: 0-17578), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as the Bomb Disposal Officer of the FOURTH Marine Division, during and after the Battle of Roi-Namur Islands, Kwajalein Atoll, from 2 to 14 February 1944. By his exceptional skill and tireless energy, First Lieutenant Baker removed from Roi and Namur Islands, without a single mishap, many fused United States ordnance duds and innumerable items of Japanese ordnance. His faultless performance and fearless devotion to a hazardous duty reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Baker and the United States Naval Service.