Addison Baker
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| Addison E. Baker | |
|---|---|
| January 11, 1907 - August 1, 1943 | |
| Place of death | KIA over Ploieşti, Romania |
| Allegiance | USAAF |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands | 93rd Heavy Bombardment Group |
| Battles/wars | World War II, Operation Tidal Wave |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Lieutenant Colonel Addison Earl Baker (January 1, 1907 – August 1, 1943) was commander of the 93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) in the U.S. Army Air Forces who led the group on the low-altitude Allied bombing mission of oil refineries at Ploieşti, Romania, Operation Tidal Wave.
On August 1, 1943, the 93rd Bomb Group, one of three from the 8th Air Force sent to the 9th Air Force especially for this mission, took to the air at Benghazi, Libya. Piloting Hell's Wench, a B-24 Liberator (Serial 42-40994), Baker led the 93rd as the second formation in the five-group mission of 177 aircraft. Co-piloting the aircraft was a volunteer and former member of the 93rd, Major John L. Jerstad.
En route the aircraft carrying the mission navigator crashed at sea. As a result, when the force reached the target area, the lead group turned at the wrong point and flew towards Bucharest. Baker attempted to warn the mission commander of this error, but when that failed, led the remainder of the force to the correct turning point.
Although Hell's Wench was in flames and had been seriously damaged by German anti-aircraft guns, Baker maintained formation and bombed his target. Subsequently, Baker broke formation to avoid a mid-air collision with bombers from the lead group, now arriving in the target area from the opposite direction. He attempted to gain altitude so that his crew could escape by parachute, but despite his efforts, Hell's Wench crashed and exploded, killing Baker and the other nine airmen aboard.
On March 11, 1944, Baker was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Major Jerstad was also awarded the Medal of Honor on October 28, 1943, for his role on the mission.
