Medal of Honour – Lt. Col. Addison E. Baker

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 Ploesti, 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 Honour. Baker joined the Army Air Corps from Akron, Ohio in 1929, & earned his wings & a commission in 1931. On August 1, 1943, the 93rd Bomb Group, one of three from the Eighth Air Force sent to the Ninth 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 & former member of the 93rd, Major John L. Jerstad. Lt. Col. Addison E. Baker, Commander of the 93rd Bomb Group for the Ploesti Mission, Aug. 1, 1943. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Lt. Col. Addison E. Baker, Commander of the 93rd Bomb Group for the Ploesti Mission, Aug. 1, 1943. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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 & 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. Hell’s Wench was in flames & had been seriously damaged by  German anti-aircraft guns but Baker maintained formation & 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 & exploded, killing Baker & the other nine airmen aboard. For his actions that day, Lieutenant Colonel Addison Baker was recommended for the Medal of Honour. An article in Air Force magazine by W. J. Byrne, states his recommendation was held up for nearly a year in committee, with many members stating that because he broke radio silence & ignored orders, his conduct did not rise to that necessary for the award. The award was approved, & in 1944, the award was recognized. Although his body was never recovered he was given a memorial site in Florence American Cemetery & Memorial, Florence, Italy.

Article Courtesy of Hawaii Reporter Newspaper By Duane Allen Vachon, PH.D.

MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION For conspicuous gallantry & intrepidity above & beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on 1 August 1943. On this date Lt. Col. Addison E. Baker led his command, the 93rd Heavy Bombardment Group, on a daring low-level attack against enemy oil refineries & installations at Ploesti, Romania. Approaching the target, his aircraft was hit by a large calibre antiaircraft shell, seriously damaged & 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 & 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 & his aircraft crashed in flames after his successful efforts to avoid other planes in formation. By extraordinary flying skill, gallant leadership & intrepidity, Lt. Col. Baker rendered outstanding, distinguished, & valorous service to our Nation.

Article Courtesy of USAF