The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Corporal Benjamin George Baum (MCSN: 265672), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, at Fort Hills, Philippine Islands, March 25, 1942. When the barracks of the 92nd Coast Artillery (Philippine Scouts) were set on fire by a hostile bombing attack, Corporal Baum without regard for personal danger and while hostile planes were overhead, on his own initiative, outstandingly assisted in getting the fire under control thus preventing complete destruction of buildings and defense installations in the area. The explosion of small arms and other ammunition stored in the area greatly increased the hazardous fire fighting operations.