The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Oscar Cephas Baker (ASN: 38038546), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Luxemil Les Pains, France, on 16 September 1944. While driving his Company Commander along in front of the forward elements of his organization, his vehicle was suddenly caught in a blast of sniper fire. Requesting permission to make his way forward alone in an attempt to rout the enemy, Private First Class Baker, in the face of enemy small arms fire, fearlessly advanced toward an abandoned American tank. Manning the machine gun mounted on the tank, he directed heavy fire into the enemy positions which immediately replied with terrific machine gun fire. Then, armed with hand grenades, he courageously crawled forward in the face of intense enemy fire, to within ten feet of the enemy. Fearlessly exposing himself, he then hurled hand grenades at almost point blank range until he had successfully neutralized the enemy machine gun emplacement. While attempting to reach an adjoining area which afforded a better field of fire, Private First Class Baker was mortally wounded by an enemy sniper. His extraordinary heroism exemplifies the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.