Name Benjamin Baker | Rank Chief Master-at-Arms Awards Medal of Honor Years of service 1885–1915 Role Sailor | |
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Born March 12, 1862
Dennis Port, Massachusetts ( 1862-03-12 ) Allegiance United States of America Died May 19, 1927, Massachusetts, United States | ||
Place of burial Swan Lake Cemetery Service/branch United States Navy Battles/wars Spanish–American War Battles and wars Spanish–American War | ||
Benjamin Franklin Baker (March 12, 1862 – May 19, 1927) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. He is the only Medal of Honor winner from Cape Cod.
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Biography
Benjamin Franklin Baker was born on March 12, 1862 at Dennis Port, Massachusetts. He joined the navy in 1885, and served in the Spanish–American War on board USS Nashville. On May 11, 1898, while serving as a Coxswain, he was one of several men who took part in a boat expedition that cut the underwater telegraph cable off Cienfuegos, Cuba. For his "extraordinary bravery and coolness" under enemy fire during this operation, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
During his service, he would often skip meals and sent the 50 cents he saved home to his family instead. He died on May 19, 1927 at Dennis Port, Massachusetts and was buried at Swan Lake Cemetery in the same town. His grave is cared for by AMVETS Post 333 and local Cub Scouts. In 2015, the Dennis Historical Commission honored his service with the first public recognition of his award since his death. Baker retired from the navy with the rank of Chief Master-at-Arms in 1915.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: March 12, 1862, Dennisport, Mass. G.O. No.: 521, July 7, 1899.
Citation:
On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, May 11, 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Baker set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.