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Lt. Col. Addison Baker initially enlisted as a private in the Regular Army in 1929, and received his wings and commission in 1931, before leaving active duty in 1932. He served in the Ohio National Guard and was recalled to active duty in 1940 and promoted to Captain. In February 1942, he joined the 93rd Bomb Group at Barksdale Field, Louisiana., and in May was promoted to major and given command of the group's 328th Bomb Squadron as it left for the European Theater. In combat he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and Group commander by May 1943. He was one of five men (and one of three posthumous awards) to received the Medal of Honor for actions in the historic August 1, 1943, low-level bombing mission against Ploesti.
Medal of Honor AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING World War II Service: Army Air Forces Division: 9th Air Force (Attached) GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 20 (March 11, 1944) CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Addison Earl Baker (ASN: 0-280827), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of while serving with the Headquarters, 93d Bombardment Group (H), Ninth Air Force (Detached from the Eighth Air Force), in action with the enemy on 1 August 1943. On this date Colonel Baker 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 anti-aircraft 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, Lieutenant Colonel Baker rendered outstanding, distinguished, and valorous service to our Nation.
