*BAKER, ADDISON E.
(Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel,
U.S. Army Air Corps, 93d Heavy Bombardment Group. Place and date: Ploesti Raid,
Rumania, 1 August 1943. Entered service at: Akron, Ohio. Born: 1 January
1907, Chicago, Ill. G.O. No.: 20, 11 March 1944.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with
the enemy on 1 August 1943. On this date he led his command, the 93d Heavy Bombardment
Group, on a daring low-level attack against enemy oil refineries and installations at
Ploesti, Rumania. Approaching the target, his aircraft was hit by a large caliber
antiaircraft shell, seriously damaged and set on fire. Ignoring the fact he was flying
over terrain suitable for safe landing, he refused to jeopardize the mission by breaking
up the lead formation and continued unswervingly to lead his group to the target upon
which he dropped his bombs with devastating effect. Only then did he leave formation, but
his valiant attempts to gain sufficient altitude for the crew to escape by parachute were
unavailing and his aircraft crashed in flames after his successful efforts to avoid other
planes in formation. By extraordinary flying skill, gallant leadership and intrepidity,
Lt. Col. Baker rendered outstanding, distinguished, and valorous service to our Nation.
