Addison Baker

Infobox Military Person
name= Lt. Col Addison E. BakerUnited States Army Air Corps
born= birth date|1907|01|11
died= death date and age|1943|08|01|1907|01|11
placeofbirth=Chicago, Illinois
placeofdeath= KIA over Ploieşti, Romania
placeofburial=


caption=Addison Baker
nickname=
allegiance=flagicon|United States United States of America
branch= United States Army Air Corps
serviceyears= 19??-1943
rank= Lieutenant Colonel
commands= 93rd Heavy Bombardment Group
unit=
battles= World War II Operation Tidal Wave
awards= Medal of Honor Purple Heart
laterwork=
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.

Biography

On August 1, 1943, the 93rd Bomb Group, one of three from the 8th Air Force sent to the 9th Air Force especially for this mission, took to the air at Benghazi, Libya. Piloting "Hell's Wench", a B-24 Liberator (Serial 42-40994), Baker led the 93rd as the second formation in the five-group mission of 177 aircraft. Co-piloting the aircraft was a volunteer and former member of the 93rd, major John L. Jerstad.

En route the aircraft carrying the mission navigator crashed at sea. As a result, when the force reached the target area, the lead group turned at the wrong point and flew towards Bucharest. Baker attempted to warn the mission commander of this error, but when that failed, led the remainder of the force to the correct turning point.

Although "Hell's Wench" was in flames and had been seriously damaged by German anti-aircraft guns, Baker maintained formation and bombed his target. Subsequently, Baker broke formation to avoid a mid-air collision with bombers from the lead group, now arriving in the target area from the opposite direction. He attempted to gain altitude so that his crew could escape by parachute, but despite his efforts, "Hell's Wench" crashed and exploded, killing Baker and the other nine airmen aboard.

On March 11, 1944, Baker was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Major Jerstad was also awarded the Medal of Honor on October 28, 1943, for his role on the mission.

Medal of Honor citation

cquote|Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Air Corps, 93d Heavy Bombardment Group. Place and date: Ploesti Raid, Rumania, August 1, 1943. Entered service at: Akron, Ohio. Born: January 1, 1907, Chicago, Ill. G.O. No.: 20, March 11, 1944.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on August 1, 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.

ee also

*List of Medal of Honor recipients
*List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II

References

* [http://www.army.mil/cmh/html/moh/wwII-a-f.html|Medal of Honor citation]

Persondata
NAME= Baker, Addison
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
SHORT DESCRIPTION= United States Air Force Medal of Honor recipient
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