World War II Honoree

John S. Baker

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Central Islip, New York

Honored By

Michael McTiernan

Before being called to Military service on February 8, 1943, he was employed at the Central Islip State Hospital. He received his basic infantry training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and then was transferred to several Army Divisions. With the 942nd Field Artillery, he finished training in the use of Howitzers, at was alerted to go overseas. He was one of the replacements from Fort Bragg to Camp Stoneman, San Francisco, California. He saw action in the Pacific Theatre of Operations, at New Guinea, Bougainville, Leyte and Luzon. On the Philippine Islands he took a vital part in the Liberation of Manila. He wears the following Ribbons and Medals: Combat Infantryman Badge, Philippine Liberation with two Bronze Stars and one Bronze arrowhead, the WWII American Service and Good Conduct Medal. On December 25, 1945, he was discharged from Fort Dix, New Jersey under the Army point system.