AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-130, C-130E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Raymond G. Baker for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Navigator over Southeast Asia on 23 April 1972. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 13 hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of 20 secondary fires and explosions. Putting aside his concern for personal safety in the face of 205 rounds of hostile antiaircraft fire, he succeeded in destroying large amount of supplies and munitions destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Baker reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Raymond G. Baker for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Navigator over Cambodia on 11 August 1974. On that date, while on an aerial delivery resupply mission in support of besieged friendly forces in the area south of Phnom Penh, his aircraft was disabled by an explosion in the hydraulic system which filled the aircraft with highly volatile fumes making further operations extremely dangerous. Putting aside concern for his own personal safety he crawled over the hydraulic fluid soaked load to deliver his oxygen mask to a crewmember who was in danger of being overcome by the noxious flames and then he returned to the flight deck to perform the airdrop. His efforts were instrumental in the successful completion of the mission under extremely hazardous conditions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Baker reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.