[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 47 (Monday, March 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING BRONZE STAR RECIPIENT PAUL BAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 19, 2007

  Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Mr. 
Paul Baker, recipient of the prestigious Bronze Star Medal with Combat 
Distinguishing Device in recognition of his actions on February 19, 
1945 at Iwo Jima.
  The Battle of Iwo Jima was a crucial victory in World War II against 
the Japanese. On the morning of February 19th, 1945, the first of 
70,000 Marines and Sailors, including Pharmacist's Mate First Class 
Paul Baker, U.S. Navy, landed on Iwo Jima. By the end of the battle 35 
days later, the Allies were victorious, but suffered over 25,000 
casualties, including over 5,000 deaths.
  On that initial morning of the invasion, Petty Officer Paul Baker, 
was among the first infantry troops to land on the island. Baker was 
rendered unconscious by a Japanese artillery shell that struck his 
ship. Upon regaining consciousness, despite his injuries and without 
regard for his own safety, Baker began treating multiple injured 
Marines, refusing medical treatment for his own injuries to save the 
lives of his fallen comrades. Only after all of the wounded Marines had 
been transferred to the medical personnel on the USS Sanborn, did Petty 
Officer Baker allow himself to be treated.
  Petty Officer Baker displayed the highest level of dedication and 
selflessness by his courageous actions that day. He is a shining 
example of the heroism and valor that was displayed by so many of our 
troops during World War II. On Friday, March 23rd Secretary of the Navy 
Donald Winter will personally present Mr. Baker with this Bronze Star 
with Combat ``V'' at a ceremony in Irondequoit, New York. I am proud to 
use this opportunity to publicly recognize Mr. Baker and to 
congratulate him and his family on this long overdue recognition.

                          ____________________