Medals awarded 65 years later
By Lyn Bliss, Senior Scribe
Almost sixty-five years from the day that Gale E. Baker was honorably discharged from the U. S. Army, he was presented with the medals he had been awarded for his service during World War II. This memorable ceremonial occasion was the result of the efforts of his granddaughter Julain Jones and his great-granddaughter Jessica Jones.
Baker was taken prisoner in Germany in December of 1944, where he remained until his release in April 1945.
His wife received a telegram late in December 1944, stating, “The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your husband Sergeant Gale E Baker has been reported missing in action since Twelve December in Germany If further details or other information are received you will be promptly notified.”
This was followed shortly by a second telegram dated December 26, 1944 stating: “The Secretary of War desires me to inform you that your husband Sgt Baker Gale E is a prisoner of war of German government based on information received through Provost Marshal Further information received will be furnished through Provost Marshal General”
A third telegram – undoubtedly received with much trepidation – was dated May 15, 1945; stating, “The Secretary of War desires me to inform you that your husband Sgt Baker Gale E returned to military control on 29 April 45.”
Baker’s service in the Army earned him numerous medals – none of which were ever personally presented to him. Four of his great-grandchildren are in the NJROTC at Greenville High School. His great-granddaughter Jessica Jones was assigned a research project to delve into a relative’s military service. After that was completed, she and her Mother, Julain Jones, attempted to find out why their grandfather/great grandfather had never received his awarded medals.
It took almost two years but they eventually were able to set up the recent ceremony where 88-year-old Baker was finally able to proudly receive and wear his medals.
“We really got a lot of help from Deb Kaiser of the Veteran’s Services Office, she helped us with the final steps.” said Julain Jones. “He was never willing to talk about his experiences. This research project provided the window to finally let him talk about his experiences.”
In a ceremony held at the Greenville Moose Lodge, Baker was awarded the medals by 1st Lt. Nate Manbeck of the Army A Troop 2-107 Calvary and Captain Keith Denman, USN retired. Medals received were P.O.W. Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and Expert Rifle Qualification Badge.
Prior to pinning the Bronze Star on Baker, Denman said, “The Bronze Star is awarded to Gale E. Baker for extraordinary heroism in action and outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy from December 10-13, 1944, in the town of Strauss, Germany. Although the plan of attack included three different battalions, a massive snowstorm caused the attack to be called off.
“The 3rd Battalion was not notified of the change of orders and marched into the town. Cut off from reinforcements or supplies, Staff Sergeant Baker’s machine gun squadron was instrumental in successfully holding back German forces until the battalion’s ammunition was completely exhausted. Staff Sergeant Baker demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in destroying enemy personnel and equipment during his battalion’s attack against a strongly entrenched enemy.
“Despite constant artillery, mortar and machine gun fire, the 3rd Battalion threw back daily counter-attacks at numerically superior forces of enemy infantry supported by tanks and assault guns. In these three days, the 3rd Battalion was successful in eliminating 550 enemy soldiers, many of which are attributed to the machine gun squadron led by Staff Sergeant Baker.
“The battalion displayed its superb fighting spirit by refusing to allow itself to be defeated. The superb devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Baker, against overwhelming odds, was an inspiration to his men and exemplifies the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States of America.”
Baker thanked everyone for their attendance and, when asked if he would do it again, said, “I’m not sure.”
His family presented him with a framed collage of pictures and mementos. The NJROTC drilled in his honor and Girl Scout Troop 31115 provided the meal to those in attendance. Rev. Esther Kershaw provided the invocation and prayer before the meal.
The family had a table arranged with memorabilia from Baker’s war years for the enjoyment of those assembled.
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