World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Wilder DuPuy Baker
Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
Topeka, Kansas
Honored By
Pearl Thomas
Rear Admiral. He served on his flagship USS North Carolina and commanded Task Force 94 during the first surface bombardment of the Japanese home islands and led the first offensive operations into the Sea of Okhotsk. Received the Navy Cross for his actions. He was present aboard battleship USS Missouri during the Japanese Surrender Ceremony in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. Participated in the occupation of Japan until October 1945. Served as Court Martial President for the court martial trial of Charles B. McVay, III. Decorated with the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with Combat "V", Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver star and one bronze service star and Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V".