World War II
Gave his life
Addison E. Baker
Lieutenant Colonel · U.S. Army Air Forces
U.S. Army Air Corps, 93d Heavy Bombardment Group
1 August 1943 · Ploesti Raid, Rumania
Public domain. U.S. Air Force Historical Support Division Source file
- Branch
- U.S. Army Air Forces
- Era
- World War II
- Home state
- Ohio
- Action
- Ploesti Raid, Rumania
The citation
Official 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.
Sources
- U.S. Army Medal of Honor citation index
- Wikipedia. Linked only. The article text is not copied here.
