William J. Baker

Lieutenant (jg), U. S. Navy

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 34693 (December 2, 1946)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) William J. Baker, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Medical Officer attached to the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during operations against the enemy on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands, from 15 June to 2 August 1944.
Landing during the initial assault on both islands, Lieutenant Baker displayed unusual ability and courage in caring for the many casualties and supervising their evacuation, unmindful of the intense enemy fire. During furious action near the northern end of Saipan, he was within a few yards of the front lines treating severely wounded Marines who could not be evacuated. While so engaged a bullet passed through his leg. Without regard for the severe pain, he continued his work until all the wounded had been cared for. He then treated his own wounds and moved forward with the assault troops, refusing to be evacuated. Despite his injury he continued constantly with the assault units until the end of the campaign on the island of Tinian. His devotion to duty and disregard of personal danger were an inspiration to all, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.