[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 124 (Thursday, September 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  HONORING SERGEANT JOHN F. BAKER, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2013

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about John F. Baker 
Jr. of Moline, Illinois.
  Sergeant Baker was awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War 
for heroically rescuing wounded soldiers from an ambush and leading a 
daring counterassault. The Medal of Honor is our nation's highest 
military honor and is awarded for personal acts of valor that go well 
above and beyond the call of duty.
  He was accepted by the Army during the Vietnam War. As a side note, 
the Marine Corps said he was an inch too short. Remember that when I 
tell you that it was Sergeant Baker's strength that helped him save the 
lives of his fellow soldiers.
  Sergeant Baker's unit was tasked with reinforcing a group of American 
soldiers pinned down in Vietnam, close to the Cambodian border. About 
3,000 Vietnamese had taken cover in the surrounding brush. As the U.S. 
soldiers advanced, the lead scout was shot and killed, and the jungle 
erupted in enemy fire.
  Sergeant Baker ran toward the front and helped destroy two enemy 
bunkers. Although he was blown off his feet by an enemy grenade, he 
willed his own recovery enough to make repeated trips through fire and 
smoke to evacuate wounded American soldiers, who were much bigger than 
he was. By the end of the hours-long conflict, his uniform was soaked 
in the blood of his fellow soldiers. In all, Sergeant Baker was 
credited with recovering eight fallen U.S. soldiers, destroying six 
bunkers and killing at least 10 enemies.
  Sergeant Baker was honored in our home state of Illinois and in the 
Congressional District I serve in 2010 when the Interstate 280 Bridge 
over the Mississippi River was renamed the John F. Baker, Jr., Bridge. 
A monument also has been dedicated in his honor, in Rock Island, 
Illinois. Sergeant Baker passed away early last year. His family says 
they will remember his courage, strength, and love the most.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that over the years, my region of 
Illinois has been the home to many brave veterans who have served our 
country in times of war and peace, including those who made the 
ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. The extraordinary courage 
and selflessness displayed by Sergeant Baker reflect the greatest 
credit upon himself, his unit, the Armed Forces and our entire nation. 
For that we will be eternally grateful. Thank you.

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