Arvis Bansford Baker

Sergeant, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 115 (December 28, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Arvis B. Baker (ASN: 38134646), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 3 November 1944 in France.
On that date, during an attack on the enemy, the right squad of the right attacking company of which Sergeant Baker was leader, was temporarily stopped by intense enemy machine gun fire from a position to the front that could not be located. Realizing the gravity of the situation and demonstrating cool courage and total disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Baker moved forward in the face of the enemy fire to within 30 yards of the enemy machine gun position and proceeded to destroy it with hand grenades.
His action enabled his squad and platoon to continue advancing and resulted in killing three of the enemy in addition to capturing one machine gun and three prisoners. The outstanding bravery, leadership, and sincere devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Baker was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.