John Franklin Baker, Jr.

U.S. Army
Medal Of Honor, Vietnam

 Photo Courtesy of HomeOfHeroes.com

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While moving to assist another unit that was engaged with the enemy, PFC Baker's company came under enemy fire and the lead man was instantly killed. John Baker immediately moved to the head of the column and with a comrade, destroyed 2 enemy bunkers. When his comrade was mortally wounded, Baker spotted 4 enemy snipers killed them. After carrying his comrade to the rear, he returned to lead repeated assaults on enemy positions. Knocked from his feet by an enemy grenade while attacking two more bunkers, Baker recovered to destroy one of the positions. When his comrade was wounded, PFC Baker took his machine-gun to destroy the remaining position. He then carried his wounded comrade to safety, replenished his ammunition, and returned to the forefront of the battle. As the battle grew more intense, Baker's element was ordered to withdraw. Baker carried one wounded man to the rear, then returned to rescue yet another. Taken under intense sniper fire, PFC Baker raced beyond the friendly troops to attack and kill the snipers, then returned to rescue the remaining wounded soldier. Exhausted and low on ammunition, Baker then dragged two more fallen comrades to the rear.

Private First Class Baker's Company Commander that day was Captain Robert Foley, who also received the MOH for this battle.  Both received their awards at the same ceremony.  At 5'2" tall, John Baker is the shortest living MOH recipient.  At 6'5" Foley is the tallest.  John Baker made a career in the Army, retiring in 1989 as a Master Sergeant.  In post-retirement years he continues to work for the VA.

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