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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
Coxswain Benjamin F. Baker, USN, (1862-1927)
Benjamin F. Baker was born on 12 March 1862 at Dennisport,
Massachusetts. He served in the Spanish-American
War on board USS Nashville.
On 11 May 1898 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. He reportedly later attained the rank of Chief Master-at-Arms.
Benjamin F. Baker died on 19 May 1927 at Dennisport, Massachusetts.
This page features the only images we have concerning Benjamin
F. Baker.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 79953
Coxswain Benjamin F. Baker, USN
Halftone reproduction of a photograph, published in "Deeds
of Valor," Volume II, page 362, by the Perrien-Keydel Company,
Detroit, 1907.
Coxwain Baker received the Medal of Honor for "extraordinary
bravery and coolness" during the 11 May 1898 cutting of
the underwater cable at Cienfuegos, Cuba. He was then serving
in USS Nashville (Gunboat # 7).
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 64KB; 590 x 765 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 79949
Cienfuegos Cable-Cutting Operation, 11 May 1898
Halftone reproduction of an artwork, published in "Deeds
of Valor," Volume II, page 358, by the Perrien-Keydel Company,
Detroit, 1907.
It depicts boats from USS Nashville (Gunboat # 7) and
USS Marblehead (Cruiser # 11) cutting underwater telegraph
cables off Cienfuegos, Cuba, while under intense Spanish gunfire.
Their ships are shown in the background, returning fire, with
Nashville on the right and Marblehead at left.
The Medal of Honor was liberally awarded to those who participated
in this operation.
US Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 76KB; 590 x 765 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 79952
USS Nashville (Gunboat # 7)
Halftone reproduction of a photograph, published in "Deeds
of Valor," Volume II, page 361, by the Perrien-Keydel Company,
Detroit, 1907.
The image shows crew members who participated in the cable cutting
operation at Cienfuegos, Cuba, on 11 May 1898. They are posed
in one of the ship's launches, after the ship had been repainted
in peacetime colors following the end of the Spanish-American
War. The Medal of Honor was liberally awarded to those who took
part in this operation.
US Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 87KB; 740 x 615 pixels |
 |
Medal of Honor citation of Coxswain Benjamin F. Baker
(as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor,
1861-1949, The Navy", page 72):
"On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the cutting
of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing
the heavy fire of the enemy, BAKER set an example of extraordinary
bravery and coolness throughout this action." |
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Page made 23 March 2006
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