The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Francis Baker (ASN: 0-1882466), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Platoon Leader in Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Baker distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Surang-ni, Korea, on 24 April 1953. On that date, Lieutenant Baker was on a position which was under assault by artillery and mortar fire. Twice prevented from leaving the command post by hostile fire, Lieutenant Baker managed to extricate himself and moved among the men, at times engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy troops who had already overrun the position. When the ferocity of the battle forced the allied troops to withdraw to more tenable positions, Lieutenant Baker organized a small force and led them in an attempt to regain the lost position. The counter-attack was halted twice by heavy fire but on the third attempt Lieutenant Baker, through his inspirational leadership, led the men into the trenches and repulsed the hostile forces. He then immediately set up an effective defense and administered medical aid to the wounded. Upon the arrival of reinforcements, Lieutenant Baker turned his efforts toward the evacuation of casualties and refused to leave the outpost until he was assured that it was safe from further attack. First Lieutenant Baker’s heroic action, indomitable courage and sustained devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.