Baker, John T. - War Hero

BAKER

Posted By: S. Ferrall (email)
Date: 7/18/2004 at 04:56:26

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

John T. Baker, sergeant, first-class, Company F, 7th Engineers. For extraordinary heroism in action near Brieulles, France, October 18 to November 3-4, 1918. On October 18 Sergt. Baker, with a detail of 19 men, carrying wire for wiring in outposts, followed the Infantry through the Bois des Rappes, where he employed his men as Infantry to assist in holding the captured position. Later they wired in four outposts in direct view of and under heavy fire from the enemy. On November 3 and 4 they succeeded several times in laying foot bridges across the Meuse under heavy fire, allowing the infantry to cross to the east bank.

Residence at enlistment: Bancroft, Iowa

-source: Official Register, State of Iowa 1921-1922, Twenty-Ninth Number, Military Decorations of Iowans in the World War, pg. 360

-transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall