World War II Honoree

Clarence J. Baker, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Ballston Spa, New York

Honored By

Michael J. Lynett

A SAILOR SERVING AS A ELECTRICIAN'S MATE 2ND CLASS ABOARD THE MINESWEEPER USS PALMER DMS-5, LOCATED IN THE LINGAYEN GULF OFF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. ON THE MORNING OF JANUARY 7, 1945. WHILE UNDER ENEMY FIRE, THERE WAS AN ONBOARD EXPLOSION, FOLLOWED BY A PAIR OF PORTSIDE BOMBS. IT TOOK ONLY SIX MINUTES FOR THE PALMER TO SINK WITH THE LOSS OF 28 CREW MEMBERS.