Coxswain Benjamin F. Baker, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on May 11, 1898 in Cienfuegos, Cuba during the Spanish-American War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Nashville. Baker was 36 years old.
54 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on August 16, 1899 — presented by Commander Raymond P. Rodgers of the USS Nashville at the Charlestown, MA, Navy Yard. He later rose to the rank of Chief Master-at-Arms.
Baker was born on March 12, 1862 in Dennis Port, Barnstable County, Massachusetts. Baker died on May 19, 1927 in Brockton, Massachusetts, at the age of 65. He is buried at Old Swan Lake Cemetery in Dennisport, Massachusetts. His medal is held by Dennis Historical Society Maritime Museum, West Dennis, MA.
Baker is one of 110 Medal of Honor recipients from the Spanish-American War.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Baker set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Spanish–American War.
Places
Timeline
- March 12, 1862Born in Dennis Port, Barnstable County, Massachusetts
- May 11, 1898Act of valor — Cienfuegos, CubaAge 36. U.S.S. Nashville
- August 16, 1899Medal of Honor presentedPresented by Commander Raymond P. Rodgers of the USS Nashville at the Charlestown, MA, Navy Yard.
- May 19, 1927Died in Brockton, MassachusettsAge 65.
- Resting placeOld Swan Lake CemeteryDennisport, Massachusetts
Biography
Benjamin Franklin Baker (March 12, 1862 – May 19, 1927) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. He is the only Medal of Honor recipient from Cape Cod.
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