SecNav Visits Western NY

The Secretary of the Navy, Donald C. Winter, visited Western New York today to bestow high honors on heroes of two different eras. I was honored to be present at the second of these ceremonies.

In Scio, New York, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer was named USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), honoring the late Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The USS Jason Dunham is being built now and is expected to join the navy's fleet in 2010. Jason’s mother was asked to christen the ship. In January President Bush awarded Corporal Dunham the Medal of Honor posthumously.

US Navy Photo (Released)

Later, in Chili, New York, Dr. Paul E. Baker, age 82, received The Bronze Star with Combat "V". The citation reads as follows:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL with COMBAT "V" to PHARMACIST'S MATE FIRST CLASS, PAUL E. BAKER, UNITED STATES NAVY, for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving onboard LSM-70, during the landing at Iwo Jima on 19 February, 1945. Petty Officer Baker was seriously wounded and rendered unconscious when heavy small arms fire from Japanese forces exploded at the base of the main ventilator compartment. He was subsequently revived and immediately began treatment of wounded Marines who had managed to board LSM 70 while on the beach. Despite being wounded and as wounded Marines lay scattered about the tank deck, Petty Officer Baker hobbled and crawled from one Marine to the other, rendering treatment as appropriate. He continuously attended to the wounded Marines as he made his rounds, releasing tourniquets and re-dressing his initial applications as necessary. He accomplished these tasks in spite of his obvious pain and distress. Refusing medical attention, Petty Officer Baker continued to treat the wounded Marines. Only after all of the Marines had been treated and transferred to USS SANBORN (APA 193) did Petty Officer Baker seek medical attention for his own wounds. By his courageous actions, inspiring initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Baker reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Baker accepted the award in front of family and friends including his four daughters, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. During his speech, he spoke fondly of his best friend Sam (who was also present at the ceremony) who served with the Marines for the entire duration of the battle of Iwo Jima, 36 days, without suffering a scratch. Mr. Baker said that was an incredible miracle, like standing in the rain and not getting wet. He also described what it was like when the flag was raised on Mount Suribachi. All of the horns on the ships in the harbor began to blow and he looked up to see what was happening and saw the flag. He deeply approves of both movies, "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Letters From Iwo Jima" as they portray the battle.


It was an incredible honor to be present at the ceremony.



Media coverage of the Dunham ceremonies:
13 WHAM
10 NBC
Democrat & Chronicle

Media coverage of the Baker ceremonies:
13 WHAM
R News
Democrat & Chronicle

More media links may be added as I find them. I will review my own video to see what portions might be suitable for upload.

Categories:

• New York
• Stories-Service Members