Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Joseph M. Baker (MCSN: 70386), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 67th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Belleau Woods, France, 6 June 1918. When his platoon was suffering casualties from the fire of a hidden machine-gun, Private Baker exposed himself to a heavy fire to take up a position on the flank of the enemy gun. He attacked and killed the gunner by rifle fire and then rushed the gun, killing the crew with his bayonet.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 60 (1920)

    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 Private Joseph M. Baker (MCSN: 70386), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Sixty-Seventh Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action at Belleau Wood, France, 6 June 1918. When his platoon was suffering casualties from the fire from a hidden machine-gun, Private Baker exposed himself to heavy fire to take up a position on the flank of the enemy gun. He attacked and killed the gunner by rifle fire and then rushed the gun, killing the crew with his bayonet.