1) United States Army Private Thomas Alexander Baker from Troy, New York, landed on the Island of Saipan with the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division on 19 June,1944. His unbelievable courage quickly revealed itself when he met the Japanese.

2) When his entire company was held up by fire from automatic weapons and small-arms fire in fortified enemy positions, Sgt. (then Pvt) Baker grabbed a bazooka and moved alone to within 100 yards of the enemy.

3) Through heavy rifle and machine-gun fire that was directed at him by the enemy, Baker destroyed the stronghold, enabling his company to continue the advance.

4) As his company advanced across an open field, Baker volunteered to remain at the rear of the column protecting against surprise attacks from any concealed enemy bypassed by the main force.

5) Private Baker came across three different pockets of enemy soldiers waiting for the opportunity to attack. Without regard for such superior numbers, he eliminated all of them single-handedly, a total of 18 men, before they could do any harm.

6) Five hundred yards further, Baker discovered 6 of the enemy who had concealed themselves behind friendly lines, and destroyed all of them. On July 7,1944, the Japanese launched their final attempt to stop the Americans.

7) Nearly 5,000 Japanese soldiers assaulted across the front in a banzai charge. Baker was severely wounded in the initial stages of the fight, but remained in the front line.

8) He fired his rifle at the enemy at ranges sometimes as close as five yards until his ammunition ran out. He then used his weapon as a club in hand-to-hand combat until it was so damaged it could no longer operate as a rifle.

9) Another soldier carried Baker 50 yards to the rear until he was wounded and dropped Baker. Pvt. Baker refused to be moved any further, preferring to die rather than have another soldier risk their lives to save him.

10) Another withdrawing soldier passed and propped Baker up against a tree. Baker was offered assistance but refused, insisting that he be left alone and be given a pistol containing 8 rounds. When the attack finally ended, the soldier's returned to locate Baker's body.

11) When he was last seen alive, Baker was propped up against a tree, pistol in hand, calmly facing the enemy. His body was found in the same position, gun empty, with 8 Japanese lying dead before him.

12) For his incredible heroism and unselfish actions, United States Army Sergeant Thomas Baker was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.