Current Date: 25 Sep, 2026
{{entry.title}}

Thomas Baker's heroic act that earned him the "Medal of Honor" was 8 bullets until death

Thomas Baker instructed his team to leave him with a pistol and eight bullets propped up against a tree after he was injured. Later, American troops discovered the now-deceased Baker in the same location, lying next to eight dead Japanese soldiers and carrying an empty pistol.

The Battle of Saipan was a pivotal operation in WWII’s Pacific Theater. One soldier’s devotion astounded his comrades and left an indelible mark of bravery.

In June 1944, the United States Army launched an operation to drive Japanese forces out of the Philippines, the Caroline Islands, Palau Islands, and the Mariana Islands.

The latter was designated as a top strategic priority because the conquest of those islands would put US forces within range of an air offensive against Japan and would disrupt communications between the Imperial Japanese Army’s headquarters and its troops positioned in the south and west. Saipan was selected as the pivotal point of attack.

On June 13, 1944, the bombardment campaign against Saipan began. The initial troops set foot on its turf two days later. The Japanese, who were astonished but determined to fight to the bitter end, greeted them with tenacious resistance. But they were not the only ones who were so adamant.

Thomas Baker 1
A US Marine moves cautiously through the jungle of Saipan. Source: wikipedia common

Thomas Baker, a member of the 27th Infantry Division, was leading his squad four days into the war and using a bazooka to clear the path for his teammates. It is stated that he single-handedly attacked and defeated two squads of enemy soldiers who were well-defended a few days later. By July 7, the Japanese had nowhere to go yet still refused to surrender.

Lieutenant General Yoshitsugu Saito, the Japanese commander, made the decision to order the final banzai charge. The final desperate assault was launched by more than 3,000 men, the last of the surviving soldiers in good health, as well as civilians and injured. The Allied forces lost the island on that day.

Sgt. Barker suffered significant injuries after his perimeter was hit three times during the conflict. He fired at the opposition without ceasing until he ran out of ammunition. He was taken away from the frontline by a friend while unarmed and wounded. Thomas Baker, however, made the decision to stop fighting for his life after suffering an injury to stop putting other people’s lives in danger.

He strongly demanded a weapon and to be left on the field as a result. He was given a pistol with eight rounds of ammunition by one of the soldiers who were fleeing. He was last saw leaning against a tree with a gun in his hand and a composed expression on his face. Later, his body was discovered in the same spot, with his gun empty and eight more Japanese dead laying in front of him.

Thomas Baker 2
Sgt. Thomas A. Baker. Source: honorstates.org

Sgt. Baker was one of three US soldiers who lost their lives that day and were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery. In their hometown of Troy, New York, a plaque honoring him and two other soldiers were unearthed in November 2009. Lieutenant William J. O’Brien, one of them, was among those who perished in Saipan on the same day and received the Medal of Honor.

Similar Stories
The History Behind the “No One Dies Alone” Program

The History Behind the “No One Dies Alone” Program

In 1986, while doing a night shift at the hospital, Sandra Clarke, a registered nurse, was asked by an elderly patient to stay. She promised to be back after checking on her other patients, but by the time she returned, the gentleman had passed away. Clarke became one of the key figures in launching No One Dies Alone, a program that allows volunteers to sit with terminal patients who have no one else.

Robert Odlum, the first person to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge

Robert Odlum, the first person to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge

The first person to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge was a professional high diver who "wanted to demonstrate that people did not die simply by falling through the air, thus encouraging people to be willing to jump from a burning building into a net." He proved himself correct by safely falling 135 feet through the air and dying only when he hit the water.

Poto And Cabengo: The Secret Language Of Twins

Poto And Cabengo: The Secret Language Of Twins

Poto and Cabengo, as the two girls called each other, communicated in their own language. The twins were ignored by their parents and secluded from the outside world because their father felt they were developmentally retarded, and their unique language evolved as a result of that neglect.

The World’s First Seismograph: How Ancient China Detected Earthquakes 1,800 Years Ago

The World’s First Seismograph: How Ancient China Detected Earthquakes 1,800 Years Ago

Over 1,800 years ago, long before modern technology, the ancient Chinese astronomer and inventor Zhang Heng created the world’s first seismograph in 132 AD. This ingenious bronze device could detect distant earthquakes by releasing small balls from dragons’ mouths into toads’ mouths—each indicating a different compass direction. Its historic detection of an earthquake 400 miles away astonished the imperial court and transformed the way societies understood and responded to seismic events.

What Was the Beast of Gévaudan?

What Was the Beast of Gévaudan?

Between 1764 and 1767, a mysterious animal called the Beast of Gévaudan terrorized the French village called Gévaudan. It attacked and killed about 100 adults and children. While most believe it was a wolf, some say it may have been a wolf-dog hybrid, hyena or even a lion, but without any genetic evidence, the beast will remain a mystery forever.

How 18th Century Women’s Rights Movements Shaped Modern Equality

How 18th Century Women’s Rights Movements Shaped Modern Equality

The 18th century marked a turning point in the quest for women’s rights, as passionate voices challenged centuries of gender inequality and laid the groundwork for modern feminism. From pioneers like Mary Wollstonecraft to revolutionary declarations and early advocacy, this era sparked debates on education, political participation, and social justice that continue to resonate today. Journey through the origins of women’s rights movements and discover how their bold ideas shaped the fight for equality.

The Assassination Of King Alexander

The Assassination Of King Alexander

The assassination of King Alexander of Yugoslavia marked a pivotal moment in the country's history. This article delves into the rise and reign of King Alexander, exploring his early life and ascension to the throne. It also examines the political and social climate in interwar Yugoslavia, setting the stage for the tensions and challenges that ultimately culminated in his tragic assassination. By understanding the context in which this event unfolded, we can better grasp the significance and impact it had on the nation and its future.

Quaker Oats Fed Children with Radioactive Oatmeal

Quaker Oats Fed Children with Radioactive Oatmeal

In the 1940s and 1950s, Quaker Oats and MIT conducted experiments on radioactive iron and calcium-containing cereal. The diet was part of a study to see if the nutrients in Quaker oatmeal traveled throughout the body. In January 1998, a $1.85 million settlement was reached for 30 victims who came forward.

Did Gil Pérez Really Teleport from Manila to Mexico Overnight? The 1593 Mystery

Did Gil Pérez Really Teleport from Manila to Mexico Overnight? The 1593 Mystery

On October 24, 1593, while performing his guard duties at Manila's Governor's Palace in the Philippines, Gil Perez stopped to lean against a wall and sleep for a while. He opened his eyes to find himself in an unusual environment. Gil was in the Plaza Mayor in Mexico City. They imprisoned Perez, but the authorities in Mexico City decided to release him and return him home.