Lieutenant Colonel Addison Earl Baker was an airman in the U.S. Army Air Corps who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on August 1, 1943 in Ploesti, Rumania during World War II. At the time he was serving with 328th Bombardment Squadron, 93d Heavy Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force. Baker was 36 years old.
Baker was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. 4 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on March 2, 1944 — at First Presbyterian Church, Akron, Ohio, by Brigadier General Uzal Ent, to his widow and parents.
Baker was born on January 1, 1907 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. His Medal of Honor is credited to Akron, Summit County, Ohio. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His medal is held by National Museum of the US Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
Baker is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor 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. Approching 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (August 1, 1943).
- Manner of death: accidental death
- Cause of death: aircraft crash
- Age at death: 36
- Resting place: Arlington National Cemetery
Cause and manner of death: Wikidata.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Addison Earl Baker received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War II.
Places
Timeline
- January 1, 1907Born in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
- August 1, 1943Act of valor — Ploesti, RumaniaAge 36. 328th Bombardment Squadron, 93d Heavy Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force Killed in action.
- March 2, 1944Medal of Honor presented posthumouslyat First Presbyterian Church, Akron, Ohio, by Brigadier General Uzal Ent, to his widow and parents.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Lieutenant Colonel Addison Earl Baker (January 1, 1907 – August 1, 1943) was commander of the 93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) in the U.S. Army Air Forces who led the group on the low-altitude Allied bombing mission of oil refineries at Ploieşti, Romania, Operation Tidal Wave. For his actions during World War II he received the United States of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor (posthumously). Baker joined the Army Air Corps from Akron, Ohio in 1929, and earned his wings and a commission in 1931.
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