Background
Paul Gerald Baker was born on 20 February 1910 in Joy, Illinois.
Paul Gerald Baker was born on 20 February 1910 in Joy, Illinois.
He enlisted in the United States Navy on 12 December 1929. From 1935, he served with aviation activities and units, and rose through the enlisted ranks to Aviation Chief Radioman. On 14 April 1942, while serving with Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2) on board the aircraft carrier United States Ship Lexington (CV-2), he was appointed Lieutenant, junior grade, for temporary service.
During the Battle of the Coral Sea, Baker downed three Japanese planes and badly damaged a fourth in the engagements on 7 May 1942, but failed to return from his last mission.
During World World War II, the destroyer escort United States Ship Baker (Delaware-755) was named for Baker. Her construction was cancelled in 1944.
The destroyer escort United States Ship Baker (Delaware-642), in commission from 1944 to 1947, was then named in his honor.
