Everett Moore Baker

Everett Moore Baker was a United States Navy officer who served with distinction during World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while commanding a destroyer escort in the Battle of the Atlantic. His service and sacrifice are commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery and through the naming of a Gearing-class destroyer, the USS Everett F. Larson (DD-830), in his honor.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1916, Baker grew up in Massachusetts and demonstrated early academic promise. He received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, entering with the class of 1939. His time at the Naval Academy was marked by rigorous training in naval engineering and military strategy, preparing him for a career as a surface warfare officer. Following his graduation and commissioning as an ensign, he reported for his first sea duty aboard a Fletcher-class destroyer in the Pacific Fleet.

Military Career

Baker's early assignments included service on destroyers conducting patrols and training exercises in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States declaration of war on Japan, he saw increased operational duties. In 1943, he assumed command of the destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413), a vessel tasked with the critical mission of protecting Allied convoys from German U-boat attacks. Operating in the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic, his ship was part of Escort Group C-2, which successfully defended numerous supply convoys bound for the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union.

His most notable action occurred in early 1944, when his ship engaged a wolfpack of U-boats threatening a vital convoy. Demonstrating exceptional tactical skill and leadership under fire, Baker directed his crew in a prolonged depth charge attack that resulted in the confirmed sinking of an enemy submarine. This engagement significantly disrupted the Kriegsmarine's offensive and safeguarded the convoy's passage. Shortly thereafter, while on another anti-submarine warfare patrol, his ship was struck by a torpedo from a German U-boat. He remained on the bridge, overseeing the evacuation of his crew, until the vessel sank.

Awards and Decorations

For his extraordinary heroism during the anti-submarine engagement, Baker was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the United States second-highest award for valor in naval service. His citation commended his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" while engaged in action against an armed enemy. He was also awarded the Purple Heart for the fatal wounds sustained in the line of duty. His service was further recognized with the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Personal Life

Baker was married to Elizabeth Larson, the sister of a fellow Naval Academy graduate. The couple had no children. In a lasting tribute, his widow participated in the christening ceremony for the Gearing-class destroyer USS Everett F. Larson (DD-830), named in his memory, which served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. His personal papers and medals are preserved in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command. He is interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, alongside many other heroes of World War II.

Category:American military personnel killed in World War II Category:Recipients of the Navy Cross Category:United States Naval Academy alumni