Korean War Silver Star Recipient Information Needed

[TBruno]

Over the Memorial Day weekend, a friend mentioned her Father, 2nd Lt. John Edward Baker, USMC, (Service Number 049814, Born September 9, 1922, Chicago, Illinois). He was a member of Company B, 1st Motorized Transportation Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and was seriously wounded while fighting the enemy in the battle for Chosin Reservoir. He died of those wounds on November 29, 1950.

 

Her father was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.

 

He also received the Silver Star, which she has, along with all of his other medals. She would like to know how he was killed, and why he was awarded the Silver Star. She says she also has a letter from President Lyndon Johnson praising him for his bravery, but there's no specifics about the reason for the medal, or the posthumous letter.

 

Aside from getting her father's records from NARA, is there any online sources for information on what led to him being awarded the Silver Star?

[JBFloyd]

Second Lieutenant John Edward Baker (MCSN: 0-49814), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for gallantry in action at Chosin Reservoir, Korea on November 28, 1950.

 

Not much, but a start.

[emaier3]

If you can find the General Order number for the medal, you can write to the National Archives in College Park, MD and request a copy. They hold all of the General Orders from WWII to Vietnam. I think it will cost about $15, if they charge a family member at all.

 

I hope this helps,

Ed Maier