World War II Honoree

Champ L. Baker

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Alexandria, Louisiana

Honored By

National Infantry Foundation

ENLISTED AS A PRIVATE IN 1940 AND WAS DISCHARGED AS A MAJOR IN 1946. RECEIVED A BATTLEFIELD PROMOTION TO CAPTAIN AND GIVEN COMMAND OF I COMPANY, 3RD BATTALION, 502ND PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT IN THE 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION. FOUGHT IN THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE WHERE HE WAS WOUNDED AND AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART. HE LATER EARNED THE SILVER STAR WHEN HE LED AN ATTACK AND OVERTURNED A STRONGLY HELD ENTRENCHED ENEMY POSITION. HE JUMPED INTO HOLLAND WITH HIS COMPANY AS PART OF OPERATION MARKET GARDEN. HE ALSO EARNED THE BRONZE STAR AND COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE.