John Franklin Baker Jr.: A Legacy of Courage and Selfless Valor in Vietnam.1180
On November 5, 1966, in the dense, treacherous terrain near Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, Private First Class John Franklin Baker Jr., serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, performed actions that would forever etch his name into the annals of American military history. Later promoted to Sergeant, Baker’s extraordinary courage, indomitable spirit, and selfless dedication under fire earned him the United States’ highest military honor, the Medal of Honor. His story is a testament to the bravery of ordinary soldiers who, when faced with extraordinary danger, rise to heroic heights.
On that fateful day, Company A was en route to assist another unit engaged with the enemy when they were suddenly ambushed. The opening moments of the attack were deadly: intense enemy fire erupted, and the lead man in the column was killed instantly. In the chaos and under withering fire, Baker immediately moved to the head of the column, demonstrating both leadership and initiative in a moment where hesitation could have cost many lives.
Together with another soldier, Baker launched an assault on two enemy bunkers. His skill, precision, and courage resulted in their destruction, but the intensity of the firefight was relentless. When his comrade was mortally wounded, Baker did not falter. Spotting four Viet Cong snipers threatening the unit, he engaged and killed each of them, demonstrating both marksmanship and the extraordinary calm under pressure that only experience, training, and sheer courage can produce. He then evacuated the fallen soldier, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his comrades, even as bullets cut through the air and danger lurked in every shadow.
The battle escalated further. Baker led repeated assaults against enemy positions, killing additional Viet Cong and forcing them to retreat under the relentless pressure of his assault. As he advanced to attack two additional enemy bunkers alongside another soldier, intense enemy fire met them. A grenade detonated near Baker, blowing him off his feet. Yet, his resolve never wavered. Rising quickly, he singlehandedly destroyed one bunker. When his companion was wounded, Baker seized his fallen comrade’s machine gun and charged through the deadly fusillade to silence the remaining enemy position.
Even when ordered to withdraw, Baker’s commitment to the safety of his fellow soldiers remained absolute. He carried a wounded comrade to the rear, and despite being targeted by enemy snipers on his return for another rescue, he pressed forward, neutralizing the snipers before evacuating the soldier. His actions were characterized by fearless initiative, unwavering determination, and a complete disregard for his own personal safety.
When his ammunition was depleted, Baker’s heroism did not cease. He dragged two additional fallen soldiers to safety, ensuring that no comrade was left behind. Each act was a testament not only to his physical endurance but also to his moral courage—the steadfast determination to protect and preserve life even under the most perilous circumstances. His selfless valor inspired all those who witnessed his actions and had a direct impact on the survival of numerous members of his unit.
John Franklin Baker Jr.’s courage extended beyond mere battlefield heroics. His leadership under fire exemplified the highest traditions of the U.S. Army. He combined initiative with technical skill, compassion with aggressive action, and tactical judgment with unflinching bravery. In doing so, he not only saved lives but also inflicted significant damage on the enemy, contributing to the success of his unit’s mission. His actions reflect the ethos of service members who, despite extraordinary risks, place the welfare of their comrades above their own safety.
The Medal of Honor citation captures the essence of Baker’s heroism: conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Yet, the story of Baker is far more than the official language of a citation. It is a story of human courage, of ethical and moral conviction in the heat of battle, and of the extraordinary lengths a soldier will go to protect those around him. Baker’s bravery was not about personal glory; it was about duty, loyalty, and the sacred bonds of brotherhood forged in combat.
Baker’s legacy extends beyond the events of November 5, 1966. His actions continue to inspire soldiers, veterans, and civilians alike. He stands as a symbol of what ordinary individuals can achieve under extraordinary circumstances. The lessons drawn from his service—leadership under pressure, courage in the face of overwhelming odds, selflessness, and commitment to others—transcend military history and speak to the values that guide human conduct in moments of crisis.
In honoring John Franklin Baker Jr., we honor not only a soldier but also the spirit of the countless men and women who serve in the armed forces. His story reminds us that heroism is often found in the quiet yet decisive choices made under duress—the choice to advance when others fall back, to assist when others hesitate, and to act decisively when lives hang in the balance. Baker’s extraordinary courage, his indomitable fighting spirit, and his selfless commitment to his comrades set a standard of valor and dedication that will endure for generations.
John Franklin Baker Jr.’s life and actions are a permanent testament to the ideals of duty, bravery, and sacrifice. His courage under fire, his leadership in the midst of chaos, and his unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers exemplify the highest traditions of the United States Army and serve as an enduring inspiration to all who learn his story. The battlefield of Dau Tieng will forever echo with the memory of his heroism, reminding us that the measure of a soldier is not only in the battles fought, but in the lives saved, the courage demonstrated, and the legacy left behind.
Honoring First Sergeant Milo Lemert: Valor on the Hindenburg Line.300
On September 29, 1918, the world witnessed an extraordinary act of heroism that would posthumously earn First Sergeant Milo Lemert
Lemert served with the 119th Infantry Regiment, part of the 30th “Old Hickory” Division of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The division had been tasked with breaching one of the
On that fateful September day, Lemert’s leadership and courage became a pivotal factor in the division’s success. His company faced intense enemy fire. Officers were killed early in the engagement, leaving the soldiers without formal command. Demonstrating
The fighting was brutal and relentless. Enemy machine guns raked the advancing troops, and grenades exploded in the trenches. Casualties mounted, and the men were pinned down by enemy fire. It became clear that someone needed to take action to neutralize the immediate threat. Lemert volunteered for the perilous task, understanding that the survival of his men—and the success of the mission—depended on decisive action.
According to his Medal of Honor citation, when Lemert noticed that the left flank of his company was immobilized by an enemy machine-gun nest, he charged the position single-handedly. Braving the hail of bullets and grenades, he hurled explosives into the enemy emplacement, killing the entire crew and silencing the deadly weapon. Remarkably, he did not stop there. Moving through exposed terrain under constant fire, Lemert systematically destroyed two more enemy machine-gun nests, each action carried out alone and under extreme personal risk. His efforts allowed his company to advance and reduced the casualties that would have otherwise been catastrophic.
Tragically, during his attack on a fourth emplacement, Lemert was struck by enemy fire. He sustained mortal wounds but had already changed the course of the battle. His actions saved the lives of many fellow soldiers, including his own brother, Nathan Lemert, who also served with the Old Hickory Division. Nathan would later write to their mother, recounting the courage of his brother:
“There is no use to grieve, tho, Mama. He was willing and ready to go. He gave his life for his country and there wasn’t an ounce of cowardice in his big body… He was right in the heaviest of the fighting, trying to keep the boys together and run out a nest of machine guns when a machine gun bullet got him through the body. His last words were, ‘I am finished, boys, give them hell.’”
Lemert’s selfless dedication exemplifies the highest traditions of military service. He willingly placed himself in harm’s way, not for personal glory but for the safety of his men and the advancement of the mission. His actions highlight the qualities of leadership, courage, and decisiveness that are the hallmark of extraordinary soldiers in history.
The Hindenburg Line assault was one of the most challenging operations faced by the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. Lemert’s bravery helped break a crucial portion of the German defenses, contributing to the eventual success of Allied operations in northern France. The victory was hard-won and costly, but the heroism displayed by Lemert and countless other soldiers of the 30th Division exemplified the resilience and determination of the U.S. forces.
While much attention is often given to the soldiers of World War II—the so-called “Greatest Generation”—the men who fought in World War I displayed a comparable level of valor under equally grueling conditions. They faced entrenched enemies, modern artillery, machine guns, chemical warfare, and the harsh realities of trench combat, often without the technological advantages that later generations would enjoy. Milo Lemert’s story serves as a reminder of the extraordinary courage of these early American warriors, whose sacrifices paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed in the decades that followed.
Resting in the hallowed pages of military history, First Sergeant Milo Lemert remains a symbol of bravery, selflessness, and patriotism. On that September morning in 1918, he exemplified what it means to place duty above self, to lead through peril, and to act with unwavering courage when every instinct might have dictated caution. He paid the ultimate price, yet his legacy endures, inspiring future generations of Americans to strive for courage, honor, and sacrifice.
We honor Milo Lemert not only for his heroism but for embodying the timeless virtues of leadership, devotion to comrades, and unwavering patriotism. Rest in peace, Sergeant, and may your courage never be forgotten.
