THE WALL OF FACES

I had the honor to say your name during the 40th anniversary commemoration of the Wall. May you rest in peace.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. May you rest in eternal peace.

Staff Sergeant Kenneth Alvin Baker, Served with Company D, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

DEAR STAFF SERGEANT BAKER,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN INFANTRY UNIT LEADER. SEMPER FI. 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.

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Kenneth Alvin Baker (MCSN: 1471002), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 November 1968, while participating in Operation MEADE RIVER southwest of DaNang, Company D came under intense small arms and 60-mm. mortar fire from a large well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force. The forward elements of the company sustained numerous casualties as they advanced across open rice paddies, and rapidly assessing the situation, Staff Sergeant Baker established a landing zone and provided security for the treatment of the injured Marines. Skillfully directing his men to provide covering fire for the withdrawing elements, he fearlessly maneuvered from one squad to another, giving instructions to his men and supervising the movement of the wounded to the landing zone. Although painfully injured by fragments of a mortar round which exploded nearby, he diligently continued to move about the fire-swept area, assisting the casualties to more covered positions and directing defensive fire. While engaged in these selfless tasks, he was mortally wounded by enemy sniper fire. His heroic action and sincere concern for the welfare of his injured comrades were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, resolute determination and unwavering devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Baker upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: 22-Nov-68

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Company: Company D

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 1st Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF