The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) David L Baker (ASN: 0-330727), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 25th Infantry Division, in action against Japanese forces at Rosaldo, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 9 February 1945. While acting as Liaison Officer with an Infantry battalion, Captain Baker went forward to a leading assault company prior to an attack on a heavily defended hill. At this time the leading elements of the company were pinned down in an exposed position by enemy mortars, machine guns and rifle fire. The forth coming artillery assault necessitated extremely close-in support for which Captain Baker voluntarily moved to the most forward position, disregarding personal safety in order to deliver the most effective fire possible. When the first salvo of the artillery battalion concentration was fired, one battery fell short among friendly troops. This disrupted Captain Baker’s communications and badly shook him, but he unhesitatingly exposed himself to enemy fire and subsequent short artillery rounds and ran to his radio to adjust the short battery and then continued to deliver effective fire on the enemy. Captain Baker’s gallant actions, quick thinking and coolness under extenuating circumstances, minimized the extent of casualties and contributed greatly to the success of the battalion’s attack. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.