THE WALL OF FACES

Not Forgotten

As we approach the anniversary of the death of Seargent First Class John W. Baker, I want to offer the following.
I was the Alpha Battery Executive Officer (XO) and worked closely with SFC Baker. I remember him to be an exceptional NCO and an accomplished mess sergeant and administrator.
Twenty-one days before he was killed, and in the early morning hours of 6 December 1968, the enemy launched mortar and machine gun barrages on our position, followed by a massive ground assault. It was estimated that we were outnumbered by four to one. Without hesitation, SFC Baker left his bunker, rifle in hand, and taking up a position on our perimeter, began returning fire on the enemy.
The strength of the enemy force and the nature of the attack required our ability to engage with maximum firepower. SFC Baker and his team were among the first to respond and greatly contributed to our success in repelling the attack and turning the battle in our favor.
I am proud to have known and served with John.

Lance J. Whyle, (former 1LT USAR)

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

DEAR SERGEANT BAKER,
I HOPE SOMEONE WILL POST YOUR PHOTO BECAUSE THIS IS A WALL OF FACES AND IT NEEDS YOUR FACE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A FOOD SERVICE SPECIALIST. HALLOWEEN IS APPROACHING, AND ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS' DAYS - THE DAYS WE HONOR THOSE WHO LEFT US. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS GUIDE YOU. REST IN PEACE.

SFC John W Baker Jr. was a combat unit mess sergeant at Xuan Loc Base Camp, a small firebase commanded by LTC George Patton IV, son of World War II general George S. Patton Jr. On December 27, 1968, a M26A2 fragmentation grenade was lodged, with the pin pulled, in a wooden door leading into a tent where SFC Baker lived. After being killed by the blast, an investigation into the incident revealed that SFC Baker was the first person to pass through the door, and when he did the grenade apparently fell to the ground in front of him. He leaned over, possibly to pick it up or see what it was. This was determined by the pattern of shrapnel in the front of his body and the pattern left on the sandbag wall immediately behind him. The investigation failed to identify the person who planted the grenade. However, a small Vietnamese youth who had access to the compound as a “houseboy” was observed leaving the area during the night. He was never seen again. [Taken from the book Fragging by George Lepre]

Dear SFC John Wesley Baker Jr, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter