A tribute to the Troy, New York native
SGT. THOMAS A. BAKER
His story as given at the Saratoga National Cemetery November 11, 1999
Sergeant Thomas A. Baker of the United States Army, Company A, 105th Infantry, was on Saipan Marianas Islands from June 19 to July 7, 1944.
On July 7, 1944 the perimeter of which Sgt. Baker was a part was attacked from three sides by some three to five thousand Japanese. During the early stages of this attack Sgt. Baker was seriously wounded but he insisted on remaining in the line, and fired at the enemy at ranges sometimes as close as five yards, until his ammunition ran out. Without ammunition, and with his own weapon battered from hand-to-hand combat, he was carried about fifty yards to the rear by a comrade, who then himself was wounded. At this point Sgt. Baker refused to be moved farther, stating that he preferred to be left to die rather than risk the lives of any more of his friends. A short time later, at his request, he was placed in a sitting position against a small tree. Another comrade withdrawing offered assistance; Sgt. Baker refused, insisting that he be left alone and be given the soldier's pistol with it's remaining eight rounds of ammunition. When last seen alive Sgt. Baker was propped against a tree, pistol in hand, calmly facing the foe. Later, Sgt. Baker's body was found in this same position, gun empty, with eight Japanese lying dead before him.
His deeds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army. By direction of the President under Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life and beyond the call of duty was awarded posthumously to Sergeant Baker.
Pictures captured at the Veterans Day ceremony, click on them to see full size images.
To paraphrase guest speaker Joseph J. Meighan, member of the 105th, Saipan:
"When you are at the next parade with your child, or grandchild, & they look up at you and ask: How much did this cost? - What will be your reply?"