The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force) to Colonel Royal Newman Baker (AFSN: 0-433343), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Pilot with the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 14 February 1953. While leading a flight of F-86 aircraft near Imsan-dong, North Korea, Colonel Baker sighted four MiG-15s launching an attack on a flight of friendly aircraft who were apparently unaware of the impending attack. Colonel Baker, with outstanding valor and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, immediately initiated a fearless, aggressive attack on the enemy aircraft. He singled out one MiG, which was making a firing pass, as the focal point of his action. Realizing that the allied pilots under attack were in grave danger, Colonel Baker commenced firing at maximum range, boring unswervingly toward the target, until solid hits were scored in the tailpipe section, causing the MiG to smoke heavily and decelerate. Colonel Baker continued his undivided vigilance of the enemy craft until it went into a spin and crashed into the ground. Although low on fuel deep in enemy territory, Colonel Baker remained in the battle area until all friendly aircraft were safe from any immediate threat. Colonel Baker’s cool, assured performance under fire, his unhesitating and selfless action in deflecting the enemy and saving the life of a pilot and his singleness of purpose in exposing himself fearlessly to enemy fire in order to protect those threatened is indicative of the highest degree of courage and gallantry. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Baker on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Legion of Merit
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
-
Legion of Merit
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Royal Newman Baker (ASN: 0-433343), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Baker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Royal Newman Baker (ASN: 0-433343), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Baker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
MajorBatallion:
493d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
48th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Royal Newman Baker (ASN: 0-433343), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane of the 493d Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Royal Newman Baker (ASN: 0-433343), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Baker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
MajorBatallion:
493d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
48th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Royal Newman Baker (ASN: 0-433343), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane of the 493d Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
MajorBatallion:
493d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
48th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Royal Newman Baker (ASN: 0-433343), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane of the 493d Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
MajorBatallion:
493d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
48th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Royal Newman Baker (ASN: 0-433343), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane of the 493d Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Royal Newman Baker (ASN: 0-8315A/0-433343), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Baker and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Action Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Royal Newman Baker (ASN: 0-433343), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major Baker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Royal Newman Baker (ASN: 0-8315A/0-433343), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Baker and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.