The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John A. Baker, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement as an AC-47 Navigator in a classified forward operating area, Republic of Vietnam on 2 April 1966. On that night Captain Baker and his crew were flying an armed reconnaissance mission in the “Tiger Hound” sector, where they engaged an infiltrating hostile truck convoy. Despite a low ceiling, limited visibility, thunderstorms and hostile ground firepower; Captain Baker and his crew’s low level strafing passes successfully neutralized the target elements. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Baker reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.orgThe President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Crosses to Captain John A. Baker, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Navigator of an AC-47 aircraft over Southeast Asia on 14 February 1966. On that date, Captain Baker located a truck convoy of hostile forces stalled on a road. Employing outstanding gunnery tactics, the crew set the last truck of the convoy on fire, thus blocking the entire convoy. Although faced with adverse weather, mountainous terrain and intense anti-aircraft fire, the crew continued to press the attack. As a result of the attack, thirteen (13) vehicles were destroyed and fourteen (14) were damaged. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Baker reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.