- Paul G. Baker
Infobox Military Person
name = Paul Gerald Baker
born = birth date|1910|2|20
died = death date and age|1942|5|7|1910|2|20
placeofbirth =Joy, Illinois
placeofdeath =
caption =
nickname =
allegiance = United States of America
serviceyears = 1929–42
rank =Lieutenant (jg)
branch =United States Navy
unit =Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2)
battles =World War II *Battle of the Coral Sea
awards =Navy Cross Paul Gerald Baker was born on
20 February 1910 inJoy, Illinois . He enlisted in theUnited States Navy on12 December 1929 . From 1935, he served with aviation activities and units, and rose through the enlisted ranks to Aviation Chief Radioman. On14 April 1942 , while serving withFighter Squadron 2 (VF-2) on board "Lexington" (CV-2), he was appointedLieutenant (junior grade) for temporary service. During theBattle of the Coral Sea , Lt. Baker downed threeJapan ese planes and badly damaged a fourth in the engagements on7 May 1942 , but failed to return from his last mission. His heroism and devotion to duty won him the posthumous award of theNavy Cross .Namesake
In 1944, the
destroyer escort USS "Paul G. Baker" (DE-642) was named in his honor, sponsored by Mrs. Katherine E. Baker.ee also
References
:DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/p3/paul_g_baker.htm
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.