John Franklin Baker Jr. (October 30, 1945 – January 20, 2012) was a United States Army Master Sergeant who served in the Vietnam War and a recipient of the Medal of Honor.

[3] Baker entered the U.S. Army in Moline, Illinois, serving as a private in A Company, 2nd Battalion of the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division.

On November 5, 1966, Baker and his unit were called to assist another squad who were taking enemy fire.

When awarding the medal, President Lyndon B Johnson stated: The battlefield is the scarred and the lonely landscape of man's greatest failure.

They fought because their Nation believed that only by honoring its commitments, and only by denying aggression its conquest, could the conditions of peace be created in Southeast Asia and the world.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

John Baker immediately moved to the head of the column and together with another soldier knocked out 2 enemy bunkers.

He evacuated his comrade, replenished his ammunition and returned to the forefront to brave the enemy fire and continue the fight.

John Baker's selfless heroism, indomitable fighting spirit, and extraordinary gallantry were directly responsible for saving the lives of several of his comrades, and inflicting serious damage on the enemy.

His acts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.