The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William E. Baker (MCSN: 359858), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Torokina River Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 24 December 1943. Acting as a scout in the point of a reconnaissance patrol penetrating deep into enemy territory, Private First Class Baker skillfully investigated a number of hostile positions and gained much vital information. When the retiring patrol was suddenly subjected to intense machine gun, grenade and rifle fire as it entered the bivouac area of a strong Japanese force, Private First Class Baker, with two other scouts, courageously approached a large enemy entrenchment and, firing into it at a hazardously close range, killed at least two of the hostile occupants, the remainder of whom were destroyed by the other scouts. Breaking trail through difficult swamp terrain, he then preceded his patrol in the return to its own lines. The valiant conduct and fearless devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Baker in the face of imminent personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.