The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Michael Roger Baker (ASN: US-67101481), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Baker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 3 December 1968, while serving as a rifleman with Company D, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a reconnaissance in force mission near Quan Loi, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force, Private First Class Baker on several occasions exposed himself to the hostile fire in order to draw the enemy’s fire enabling the remainder of his unit to pinpoint the insurgents’ position and place accurate retaliatory fire on the enemy. When several fellow soldiers were wounded, Private First Class Baker again exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he moved forward to administer first aid and move the casualties to a medical evacuation helicopter. In doing so, Private First Class Baker was mortally wounded. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.