A1C Kenneth Earl Baker, Vietnam Veteran, Born in North Carolina, he later became a resident of La Porte, Texas.
A1C Kenneth Earl Baker was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Air Force, A1C Baker served our country until March 22nd, 1968 in Phong Dinh Province, Binh Thuy, South Vietnam. He was 24 years old and was not married. It was reported that He was killed by Artillery Fire. He was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on April 19th, 1943. His body was recovered. A1C Baker is on panel 45E, line 043 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 1 year.
He is the Son of Mr Kenneth Earl Baker Sr, and Mrs Bettye J Baker, 430 Bay Colony Drive, La Porte, Texas. Sister to Andrea Jo, Ruthie and John.
A1C Kenneth Earl Baker Jr, served as an Airman First Class with the 30th Weather Squadron, 7th Air Force, US Air Force Vietnam.
He was awarded The Purple Heart Medal for his combat wounds, The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal and The Vietnamese Gallantry Cross Unit Citation.
In Loving Memory... AMN Kenneth Earl Baker Jr: There is a cenotaph memorial bench in Robinson Cemetery, McLennan County, Texas, for Kenny: Plot: Sect. A, Lot 61. (109760259). It is located near Kenneth Baker Sr's gravestone. Ken Sr. was a retired USAF Captain.
Memorial Bench: Kenneth Earl Baker: All the best to you and thanks as always, Dan G.
Memorial Bench Page: Kenneth Earl Baker Dan G.
Thanks for the letters, the drawings, the time you spent on a very lonely girl far from home. I remember you, though we never met. Sharon, who you called Desert Flower and Goddess of the Blooms. Sharon Palmer, Friend.
This was a good kid, very bright and wickedly funny. While no one deserved to die or get hurt over there, "Bakes" was the one guy who should have never been killed. He didn't, have a mean bone in his body. He didn't even "visit" the girls in the ville as he thought it degraded them. He spent a lot of time talking with various Vietnamese studying them, learning the language and customs, and was probably fluent by the time of his death. I often think of the time spent with him and how his arrival picked my head up from the first. Just looking at this tall skinny kid from Texas by way of L.A., or vice versa, with that smirk and that silly little moustache, you just knew, he was all right. He was good under fire too never panicky or really scared. When I got the letter informing me of his death I spun into an angry sadness that I still feel every time I think of him. It was such a waste. He'd have been 57 on his next birthday. I was there, helping him celebrate his 24th and final one in 1967. My thoughts are still with him, with his parents and with his little sister, Ruthie who sent us a bunch of "Scrooge McDuck," comics for a goof. The whole thing was such a waste. Matthew McCarthy, Room mate, from 3/67 - 12/67.
KENNETH EARL BAKER,JR. - Air Force - A1C - E3
30TH WEATHER SQDN, 7TH AF
United States Air Force
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 19, 1943 - Goldsboro, NC.
From: LA PORTE, TX
Marital Status: Single - Parents and a little sister, Ruthie. Sister, Andrea Jo Baker Born May 22, 1967 in Houston, Tx. Ken Jr.'s brother John lives in Waco.
***** "North Carolina, Birth Index"
Name: Kenneth Earl Baker Jr.
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 1943
Event Place: Wayne, North Carolina
Other Event Place: Goldsboro
Father's Name: Kenneth Earl Baker
Mother's Name: Bettye J Baker
***** Dear Eddieb,
Ken, Jr. was my cousin. I visited the grave site at Ft Sam Houston in 2010. Thanks for your help.
Dan Gardner, Colonel, (Retired)
***** Tammy Baker - I never got the chance to know you but thank you uncle for serving this country
***** I was there that night. One of our best was taken.
Your kind spirit has always been with me. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. You were a great guy. Ron Harris/USAF SSGT.
A1C - E3 - Air Force - Regular
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Mar 8, 1967
Casualty was on Mar 22, 1968
MILITARY DATA:
Service: United States Air Force
Grade at loss: E3
Rank: Airman First Class
ID No: 15841464
MOS: -----: Not Recorded
Length Service: 01
Unit: 30TH WEATHER SQDN, 7TH AF
CASUALTY DATA:
Start Tour: 03/08/1967
Incident Date: 03/22/1968
Casualty Date: 03/22/1968
Age at Loss: 24
Location: Phong Dinh Province, South Vietnam
Remains: Body recovered
Casualty Type: Hostile, died outright
Casualty Reason: Ground casualty
Casualty Detail: Artillery, rocket, or mortar
In PHONG DINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered, Panel 45E - Line 53
**********************************
The Air Force lost 4 Meteorologists in Vietnam. They were:
1) SSgt James C. Swarm and 2) Sgt Edward W. Milan of Detachment 10, 5th Weather Squadron, Ban Me Thout AAF, RVN on March 4, 1968
3) SSgt Eduardo Garcia, Jr of CWT #2, OL 6, Det 31, 5th Weather Squadron, L. Z. Baldy, RVW on March 18, 1968
4) A1C Kenneth E. Baker, Jr of Detachment 13, 30th Weather Squadron, Binh Thuy AB, RVN on March 22, 1968
************************************
Date Posted: Sun, March 20 2011, 20:47:47
Author: Ron Boussom
Subject: KIA A1C KENNETH E. BAKER JR., WEATHER OBSERVER, 30WS DET 13, BINH THUY, MAR 22, 1968
My name is Ron Boussom. I'm a writer doing a story about my friend, Kenny Baker, who was stationed at Binh Thuy AFB and killed in the weather observation cab of the control tower Mar 22, 1968. He was scheduled to fly home for 30-day leave on Mar 25 before returning for his 2nd tour. On the day of Mar 21 another observer returned from R&R too tired to work his midnight shift in the weather cab and asked Kenny to take it for him.
On Mar 22 at 12:30am, hostile fire broke out. A 75mm recoil-less rifle shell struck the AC unit on the side of the cab, exploded through the wall and hit Kenny, causing massive shrapnel wounds to his torso.
Men from Det 13 said there were fingerprints in blood on the intercom, indicating an attempt to call for help. Medics retrieved him from the tower to the dispensary within minutes after the attack, but doctors were unable to save his life.
His body arrived home intact, but there was a small surgical incision scar at the base of his throat from a tracheotomy, apparently an emergency procedure to try and save him.
A. James Moyers, USAF Historian/Kirtland AFB, NM said medical personnel might have been a small contingent assigned to 632nd Combat Support Group at Binh Thuy. He also thought 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron might have been assigned to Binh Thuy at that time and possibly played a part on the night of Kenny's death. I'm trying to find the medical personnel who:
1. Retrieved him from the tower to the dispensary
2. Attended and operated on him in the O.R.
3. Prepared his body for transport to Tan Son Nhut mortuary facility
B. There was an individual who came down to the weather cab from the tower's eagle nest after the attack and found Kenny. That person very likely radioed medics for help. He might have been an air traffic controller from 1880th Communications Squadron that arrived at Binh Thuy Feb 12, 1968. If anybody has any information on the names of the ATC's from the 1880th, or knows what medical unit was operating on base in the early morning hours of Mar 22, 1968 would you please contact me?
C. Kenny's family has a 42 yr old sympathy card signed by eleven members of Det 13. I've found all but two of them:
-Cecil H. McGregor – Forecaster (?) Tech Sergeant or Master Sergeant (?)
-James S. Wernert - AWS Equipment Maintenance (don't know rank)
Am also searching for:
-Bruce Campbell, AWS Observer
-Ron Rider (or Ryder), AWS Observer
Two other men were acquaintances of Kenny's at Binh Thuy, but I'm not sure if they were AWS:
-Ron "Frenchy" French
-Richie Keeney
If anybody from Binh Thuy in 1967-1968 remembers any or all of these men and knows where they might be, please contact me. The smallest detail is valuable. I'm writing this for Kenny's family. There are missing pieces of his life and death at Binh Thuy they have wanted to know for 42 years. They knew him in one world but there were parts of him that grew as a result of his experience in Vietnam they'll never have a chance to know. Combing over the past won't bring him back, but knowing the whole truth of it may help bring further closure and greater peace to them in the aftermath of his loss. My heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to VSPA for providing me the opportunity to post this notice and to those compassionate vets who have responded thus far. Ron Boussom.
A1C Kenneth Earl Baker was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Air Force, A1C Baker served our country until March 22nd, 1968 in Phong Dinh Province, Binh Thuy, South Vietnam. He was 24 years old and was not married. It was reported that He was killed by Artillery Fire. He was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on April 19th, 1943. His body was recovered. A1C Baker is on panel 45E, line 043 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 1 year.
He is the Son of Mr Kenneth Earl Baker Sr, and Mrs Bettye J Baker, 430 Bay Colony Drive, La Porte, Texas. Sister to Andrea Jo, Ruthie and John.
A1C Kenneth Earl Baker Jr, served as an Airman First Class with the 30th Weather Squadron, 7th Air Force, US Air Force Vietnam.
He was awarded The Purple Heart Medal for his combat wounds, The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal and The Vietnamese Gallantry Cross Unit Citation.
In Loving Memory... AMN Kenneth Earl Baker Jr: There is a cenotaph memorial bench in Robinson Cemetery, McLennan County, Texas, for Kenny: Plot: Sect. A, Lot 61. (109760259). It is located near Kenneth Baker Sr's gravestone. Ken Sr. was a retired USAF Captain.
Memorial Bench: Kenneth Earl Baker: All the best to you and thanks as always, Dan G.
Memorial Bench Page: Kenneth Earl Baker Dan G.
Thanks for the letters, the drawings, the time you spent on a very lonely girl far from home. I remember you, though we never met. Sharon, who you called Desert Flower and Goddess of the Blooms. Sharon Palmer, Friend.
This was a good kid, very bright and wickedly funny. While no one deserved to die or get hurt over there, "Bakes" was the one guy who should have never been killed. He didn't, have a mean bone in his body. He didn't even "visit" the girls in the ville as he thought it degraded them. He spent a lot of time talking with various Vietnamese studying them, learning the language and customs, and was probably fluent by the time of his death. I often think of the time spent with him and how his arrival picked my head up from the first. Just looking at this tall skinny kid from Texas by way of L.A., or vice versa, with that smirk and that silly little moustache, you just knew, he was all right. He was good under fire too never panicky or really scared. When I got the letter informing me of his death I spun into an angry sadness that I still feel every time I think of him. It was such a waste. He'd have been 57 on his next birthday. I was there, helping him celebrate his 24th and final one in 1967. My thoughts are still with him, with his parents and with his little sister, Ruthie who sent us a bunch of "Scrooge McDuck," comics for a goof. The whole thing was such a waste. Matthew McCarthy, Room mate, from 3/67 - 12/67.
KENNETH EARL BAKER,JR. - Air Force - A1C - E3
30TH WEATHER SQDN, 7TH AF
United States Air Force
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 19, 1943 - Goldsboro, NC.
From: LA PORTE, TX
Marital Status: Single - Parents and a little sister, Ruthie. Sister, Andrea Jo Baker Born May 22, 1967 in Houston, Tx. Ken Jr.'s brother John lives in Waco.
***** "North Carolina, Birth Index"
Name: Kenneth Earl Baker Jr.
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 1943
Event Place: Wayne, North Carolina
Other Event Place: Goldsboro
Father's Name: Kenneth Earl Baker
Mother's Name: Bettye J Baker
***** Dear Eddieb,
Ken, Jr. was my cousin. I visited the grave site at Ft Sam Houston in 2010. Thanks for your help.
Dan Gardner, Colonel, (Retired)
***** Tammy Baker - I never got the chance to know you but thank you uncle for serving this country
***** I was there that night. One of our best was taken.
Your kind spirit has always been with me. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. You were a great guy. Ron Harris/USAF SSGT.
A1C - E3 - Air Force - Regular
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Mar 8, 1967
Casualty was on Mar 22, 1968
MILITARY DATA:
Service: United States Air Force
Grade at loss: E3
Rank: Airman First Class
ID No: 15841464
MOS: -----: Not Recorded
Length Service: 01
Unit: 30TH WEATHER SQDN, 7TH AF
CASUALTY DATA:
Start Tour: 03/08/1967
Incident Date: 03/22/1968
Casualty Date: 03/22/1968
Age at Loss: 24
Location: Phong Dinh Province, South Vietnam
Remains: Body recovered
Casualty Type: Hostile, died outright
Casualty Reason: Ground casualty
Casualty Detail: Artillery, rocket, or mortar
In PHONG DINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered, Panel 45E - Line 53
**********************************
The Air Force lost 4 Meteorologists in Vietnam. They were:
1) SSgt James C. Swarm and 2) Sgt Edward W. Milan of Detachment 10, 5th Weather Squadron, Ban Me Thout AAF, RVN on March 4, 1968
3) SSgt Eduardo Garcia, Jr of CWT #2, OL 6, Det 31, 5th Weather Squadron, L. Z. Baldy, RVW on March 18, 1968
4) A1C Kenneth E. Baker, Jr of Detachment 13, 30th Weather Squadron, Binh Thuy AB, RVN on March 22, 1968
************************************
Date Posted: Sun, March 20 2011, 20:47:47
Author: Ron Boussom
Subject: KIA A1C KENNETH E. BAKER JR., WEATHER OBSERVER, 30WS DET 13, BINH THUY, MAR 22, 1968
My name is Ron Boussom. I'm a writer doing a story about my friend, Kenny Baker, who was stationed at Binh Thuy AFB and killed in the weather observation cab of the control tower Mar 22, 1968. He was scheduled to fly home for 30-day leave on Mar 25 before returning for his 2nd tour. On the day of Mar 21 another observer returned from R&R too tired to work his midnight shift in the weather cab and asked Kenny to take it for him.
On Mar 22 at 12:30am, hostile fire broke out. A 75mm recoil-less rifle shell struck the AC unit on the side of the cab, exploded through the wall and hit Kenny, causing massive shrapnel wounds to his torso.
Men from Det 13 said there were fingerprints in blood on the intercom, indicating an attempt to call for help. Medics retrieved him from the tower to the dispensary within minutes after the attack, but doctors were unable to save his life.
His body arrived home intact, but there was a small surgical incision scar at the base of his throat from a tracheotomy, apparently an emergency procedure to try and save him.
A. James Moyers, USAF Historian/Kirtland AFB, NM said medical personnel might have been a small contingent assigned to 632nd Combat Support Group at Binh Thuy. He also thought 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron might have been assigned to Binh Thuy at that time and possibly played a part on the night of Kenny's death. I'm trying to find the medical personnel who:
1. Retrieved him from the tower to the dispensary
2. Attended and operated on him in the O.R.
3. Prepared his body for transport to Tan Son Nhut mortuary facility
B. There was an individual who came down to the weather cab from the tower's eagle nest after the attack and found Kenny. That person very likely radioed medics for help. He might have been an air traffic controller from 1880th Communications Squadron that arrived at Binh Thuy Feb 12, 1968. If anybody has any information on the names of the ATC's from the 1880th, or knows what medical unit was operating on base in the early morning hours of Mar 22, 1968 would you please contact me?
C. Kenny's family has a 42 yr old sympathy card signed by eleven members of Det 13. I've found all but two of them:
-Cecil H. McGregor – Forecaster (?) Tech Sergeant or Master Sergeant (?)
-James S. Wernert - AWS Equipment Maintenance (don't know rank)
Am also searching for:
-Bruce Campbell, AWS Observer
-Ron Rider (or Ryder), AWS Observer
Two other men were acquaintances of Kenny's at Binh Thuy, but I'm not sure if they were AWS:
-Ron "Frenchy" French
-Richie Keeney
If anybody from Binh Thuy in 1967-1968 remembers any or all of these men and knows where they might be, please contact me. The smallest detail is valuable. I'm writing this for Kenny's family. There are missing pieces of his life and death at Binh Thuy they have wanted to know for 42 years. They knew him in one world but there were parts of him that grew as a result of his experience in Vietnam they'll never have a chance to know. Combing over the past won't bring him back, but knowing the whole truth of it may help bring further closure and greater peace to them in the aftermath of his loss. My heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to VSPA for providing me the opportunity to post this notice and to those compassionate vets who have responded thus far. Ron Boussom.
A1C Kenneth Earl Baker, Vietnam Veteran, Born in North Carolina, he later became a resident of La Porte, Texas.
A1C Kenneth Earl Baker was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Air Force, A1C Baker served our country until March 22nd, 1968 in Phong Dinh Province, Binh Thuy, South Vietnam. He was 24 years old and was not married. It was reported that He was killed by Artillery Fire. He was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on April 19th, 1943. His body was recovered. A1C Baker is on panel 45E, line 043 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 1 year.
He is the Son of Mr Kenneth Earl Baker Sr, and Mrs Bettye J Baker, 430 Bay Colony Drive, La Porte, Texas. Sister to Andrea Jo, Ruthie and John.
A1C Kenneth Earl Baker Jr, served as an Airman First Class with the 30th Weather Squadron, 7th Air Force, US Air Force Vietnam.
He was awarded The Purple Heart Medal for his combat wounds, The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal and The Vietnamese Gallantry Cross Unit Citation.
In Loving Memory... AMN Kenneth Earl Baker Jr: There is a cenotaph memorial bench in Robinson Cemetery, McLennan County, Texas, for Kenny: Plot: Sect. A, Lot 61. (109760259). It is located near Kenneth Baker Sr's gravestone. Ken Sr. was a retired USAF Captain.
Memorial Bench: Kenneth Earl Baker: All the best to you and thanks as always, Dan G.
Memorial Bench Page: Kenneth Earl Baker Dan G.
Thanks for the letters, the drawings, the time you spent on a very lonely girl far from home. I remember you, though we never met. Sharon, who you called Desert Flower and Goddess of the Blooms. Sharon Palmer, Friend.
This was a good kid, very bright and wickedly funny. While no one deserved to die or get hurt over there, "Bakes" was the one guy who should have never been killed. He didn't, have a mean bone in his body. He didn't even "visit" the girls in the ville as he thought it degraded them. He spent a lot of time talking with various Vietnamese studying them, learning the language and customs, and was probably fluent by the time of his death. I often think of the time spent with him and how his arrival picked my head up from the first. Just looking at this tall skinny kid from Texas by way of L.A., or vice versa, with that smirk and that silly little moustache, you just knew, he was all right. He was good under fire too never panicky or really scared. When I got the letter informing me of his death I spun into an angry sadness that I still feel every time I think of him. It was such a waste. He'd have been 57 on his next birthday. I was there, helping him celebrate his 24th and final one in 1967. My thoughts are still with him, with his parents and with his little sister, Ruthie who sent us a bunch of "Scrooge McDuck," comics for a goof. The whole thing was such a waste. Matthew McCarthy, Room mate, from 3/67 - 12/67.
KENNETH EARL BAKER,JR. - Air Force - A1C - E3
30TH WEATHER SQDN, 7TH AF
United States Air Force
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 19, 1943 - Goldsboro, NC.
From: LA PORTE, TX
Marital Status: Single - Parents and a little sister, Ruthie. Sister, Andrea Jo Baker Born May 22, 1967 in Houston, Tx. Ken Jr.'s brother John lives in Waco.
***** "North Carolina, Birth Index"
Name: Kenneth Earl Baker Jr.
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 1943
Event Place: Wayne, North Carolina
Other Event Place: Goldsboro
Father's Name: Kenneth Earl Baker
Mother's Name: Bettye J Baker
***** Dear Eddieb,
Ken, Jr. was my cousin. I visited the grave site at Ft Sam Houston in 2010. Thanks for your help.
Dan Gardner, Colonel, (Retired)
***** Tammy Baker - I never got the chance to know you but thank you uncle for serving this country
***** I was there that night. One of our best was taken.
Your kind spirit has always been with me. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. You were a great guy. Ron Harris/USAF SSGT.
A1C - E3 - Air Force - Regular
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Mar 8, 1967
Casualty was on Mar 22, 1968
MILITARY DATA:
Service: United States Air Force
Grade at loss: E3
Rank: Airman First Class
ID No: 15841464
MOS: -----: Not Recorded
Length Service: 01
Unit: 30TH WEATHER SQDN, 7TH AF
CASUALTY DATA:
Start Tour: 03/08/1967
Incident Date: 03/22/1968
Casualty Date: 03/22/1968
Age at Loss: 24
Location: Phong Dinh Province, South Vietnam
Remains: Body recovered
Casualty Type: Hostile, died outright
Casualty Reason: Ground casualty
Casualty Detail: Artillery, rocket, or mortar
In PHONG DINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered, Panel 45E - Line 53
**********************************
The Air Force lost 4 Meteorologists in Vietnam. They were:
1) SSgt James C. Swarm and 2) Sgt Edward W. Milan of Detachment 10, 5th Weather Squadron, Ban Me Thout AAF, RVN on March 4, 1968
3) SSgt Eduardo Garcia, Jr of CWT #2, OL 6, Det 31, 5th Weather Squadron, L. Z. Baldy, RVW on March 18, 1968
4) A1C Kenneth E. Baker, Jr of Detachment 13, 30th Weather Squadron, Binh Thuy AB, RVN on March 22, 1968
************************************
Date Posted: Sun, March 20 2011, 20:47:47
Author: Ron Boussom
Subject: KIA A1C KENNETH E. BAKER JR., WEATHER OBSERVER, 30WS DET 13, BINH THUY, MAR 22, 1968
My name is Ron Boussom. I'm a writer doing a story about my friend, Kenny Baker, who was stationed at Binh Thuy AFB and killed in the weather observation cab of the control tower Mar 22, 1968. He was scheduled to fly home for 30-day leave on Mar 25 before returning for his 2nd tour. On the day of Mar 21 another observer returned from R&R too tired to work his midnight shift in the weather cab and asked Kenny to take it for him.
On Mar 22 at 12:30am, hostile fire broke out. A 75mm recoil-less rifle shell struck the AC unit on the side of the cab, exploded through the wall and hit Kenny, causing massive shrapnel wounds to his torso.
Men from Det 13 said there were fingerprints in blood on the intercom, indicating an attempt to call for help. Medics retrieved him from the tower to the dispensary within minutes after the attack, but doctors were unable to save his life.
His body arrived home intact, but there was a small surgical incision scar at the base of his throat from a tracheotomy, apparently an emergency procedure to try and save him.
A. James Moyers, USAF Historian/Kirtland AFB, NM said medical personnel might have been a small contingent assigned to 632nd Combat Support Group at Binh Thuy. He also thought 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron might have been assigned to Binh Thuy at that time and possibly played a part on the night of Kenny's death. I'm trying to find the medical personnel who:
1. Retrieved him from the tower to the dispensary
2. Attended and operated on him in the O.R.
3. Prepared his body for transport to Tan Son Nhut mortuary facility
B. There was an individual who came down to the weather cab from the tower's eagle nest after the attack and found Kenny. That person very likely radioed medics for help. He might have been an air traffic controller from 1880th Communications Squadron that arrived at Binh Thuy Feb 12, 1968. If anybody has any information on the names of the ATC's from the 1880th, or knows what medical unit was operating on base in the early morning hours of Mar 22, 1968 would you please contact me?
C. Kenny's family has a 42 yr old sympathy card signed by eleven members of Det 13. I've found all but two of them:
-Cecil H. McGregor – Forecaster (?) Tech Sergeant or Master Sergeant (?)
-James S. Wernert - AWS Equipment Maintenance (don't know rank)
Am also searching for:
-Bruce Campbell, AWS Observer
-Ron Rider (or Ryder), AWS Observer
Two other men were acquaintances of Kenny's at Binh Thuy, but I'm not sure if they were AWS:
-Ron "Frenchy" French
-Richie Keeney
If anybody from Binh Thuy in 1967-1968 remembers any or all of these men and knows where they might be, please contact me. The smallest detail is valuable. I'm writing this for Kenny's family. There are missing pieces of his life and death at Binh Thuy they have wanted to know for 42 years. They knew him in one world but there were parts of him that grew as a result of his experience in Vietnam they'll never have a chance to know. Combing over the past won't bring him back, but knowing the whole truth of it may help bring further closure and greater peace to them in the aftermath of his loss. My heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to VSPA for providing me the opportunity to post this notice and to those compassionate vets who have responded thus far. Ron Boussom.
A1C Kenneth Earl Baker was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Air Force, A1C Baker served our country until March 22nd, 1968 in Phong Dinh Province, Binh Thuy, South Vietnam. He was 24 years old and was not married. It was reported that He was killed by Artillery Fire. He was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on April 19th, 1943. His body was recovered. A1C Baker is on panel 45E, line 043 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 1 year.
He is the Son of Mr Kenneth Earl Baker Sr, and Mrs Bettye J Baker, 430 Bay Colony Drive, La Porte, Texas. Sister to Andrea Jo, Ruthie and John.
A1C Kenneth Earl Baker Jr, served as an Airman First Class with the 30th Weather Squadron, 7th Air Force, US Air Force Vietnam.
He was awarded The Purple Heart Medal for his combat wounds, The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal and The Vietnamese Gallantry Cross Unit Citation.
In Loving Memory... AMN Kenneth Earl Baker Jr: There is a cenotaph memorial bench in Robinson Cemetery, McLennan County, Texas, for Kenny: Plot: Sect. A, Lot 61. (109760259). It is located near Kenneth Baker Sr's gravestone. Ken Sr. was a retired USAF Captain.
Memorial Bench: Kenneth Earl Baker: All the best to you and thanks as always, Dan G.
Memorial Bench Page: Kenneth Earl Baker Dan G.
Thanks for the letters, the drawings, the time you spent on a very lonely girl far from home. I remember you, though we never met. Sharon, who you called Desert Flower and Goddess of the Blooms. Sharon Palmer, Friend.
This was a good kid, very bright and wickedly funny. While no one deserved to die or get hurt over there, "Bakes" was the one guy who should have never been killed. He didn't, have a mean bone in his body. He didn't even "visit" the girls in the ville as he thought it degraded them. He spent a lot of time talking with various Vietnamese studying them, learning the language and customs, and was probably fluent by the time of his death. I often think of the time spent with him and how his arrival picked my head up from the first. Just looking at this tall skinny kid from Texas by way of L.A., or vice versa, with that smirk and that silly little moustache, you just knew, he was all right. He was good under fire too never panicky or really scared. When I got the letter informing me of his death I spun into an angry sadness that I still feel every time I think of him. It was such a waste. He'd have been 57 on his next birthday. I was there, helping him celebrate his 24th and final one in 1967. My thoughts are still with him, with his parents and with his little sister, Ruthie who sent us a bunch of "Scrooge McDuck," comics for a goof. The whole thing was such a waste. Matthew McCarthy, Room mate, from 3/67 - 12/67.
KENNETH EARL BAKER,JR. - Air Force - A1C - E3
30TH WEATHER SQDN, 7TH AF
United States Air Force
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 19, 1943 - Goldsboro, NC.
From: LA PORTE, TX
Marital Status: Single - Parents and a little sister, Ruthie. Sister, Andrea Jo Baker Born May 22, 1967 in Houston, Tx. Ken Jr.'s brother John lives in Waco.
***** "North Carolina, Birth Index"
Name: Kenneth Earl Baker Jr.
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 1943
Event Place: Wayne, North Carolina
Other Event Place: Goldsboro
Father's Name: Kenneth Earl Baker
Mother's Name: Bettye J Baker
***** Dear Eddieb,
Ken, Jr. was my cousin. I visited the grave site at Ft Sam Houston in 2010. Thanks for your help.
Dan Gardner, Colonel, (Retired)
***** Tammy Baker - I never got the chance to know you but thank you uncle for serving this country
***** I was there that night. One of our best was taken.
Your kind spirit has always been with me. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. You were a great guy. Ron Harris/USAF SSGT.
A1C - E3 - Air Force - Regular
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Mar 8, 1967
Casualty was on Mar 22, 1968
MILITARY DATA:
Service: United States Air Force
Grade at loss: E3
Rank: Airman First Class
ID No: 15841464
MOS: -----: Not Recorded
Length Service: 01
Unit: 30TH WEATHER SQDN, 7TH AF
CASUALTY DATA:
Start Tour: 03/08/1967
Incident Date: 03/22/1968
Casualty Date: 03/22/1968
Age at Loss: 24
Location: Phong Dinh Province, South Vietnam
Remains: Body recovered
Casualty Type: Hostile, died outright
Casualty Reason: Ground casualty
Casualty Detail: Artillery, rocket, or mortar
In PHONG DINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered, Panel 45E - Line 53
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The Air Force lost 4 Meteorologists in Vietnam. They were:
1) SSgt James C. Swarm and 2) Sgt Edward W. Milan of Detachment 10, 5th Weather Squadron, Ban Me Thout AAF, RVN on March 4, 1968
3) SSgt Eduardo Garcia, Jr of CWT #2, OL 6, Det 31, 5th Weather Squadron, L. Z. Baldy, RVW on March 18, 1968
4) A1C Kenneth E. Baker, Jr of Detachment 13, 30th Weather Squadron, Binh Thuy AB, RVN on March 22, 1968
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Date Posted: Sun, March 20 2011, 20:47:47
Author: Ron Boussom
Subject: KIA A1C KENNETH E. BAKER JR., WEATHER OBSERVER, 30WS DET 13, BINH THUY, MAR 22, 1968
My name is Ron Boussom. I'm a writer doing a story about my friend, Kenny Baker, who was stationed at Binh Thuy AFB and killed in the weather observation cab of the control tower Mar 22, 1968. He was scheduled to fly home for 30-day leave on Mar 25 before returning for his 2nd tour. On the day of Mar 21 another observer returned from R&R too tired to work his midnight shift in the weather cab and asked Kenny to take it for him.
On Mar 22 at 12:30am, hostile fire broke out. A 75mm recoil-less rifle shell struck the AC unit on the side of the cab, exploded through the wall and hit Kenny, causing massive shrapnel wounds to his torso.
Men from Det 13 said there were fingerprints in blood on the intercom, indicating an attempt to call for help. Medics retrieved him from the tower to the dispensary within minutes after the attack, but doctors were unable to save his life.
His body arrived home intact, but there was a small surgical incision scar at the base of his throat from a tracheotomy, apparently an emergency procedure to try and save him.
A. James Moyers, USAF Historian/Kirtland AFB, NM said medical personnel might have been a small contingent assigned to 632nd Combat Support Group at Binh Thuy. He also thought 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron might have been assigned to Binh Thuy at that time and possibly played a part on the night of Kenny's death. I'm trying to find the medical personnel who:
1. Retrieved him from the tower to the dispensary
2. Attended and operated on him in the O.R.
3. Prepared his body for transport to Tan Son Nhut mortuary facility
B. There was an individual who came down to the weather cab from the tower's eagle nest after the attack and found Kenny. That person very likely radioed medics for help. He might have been an air traffic controller from 1880th Communications Squadron that arrived at Binh Thuy Feb 12, 1968. If anybody has any information on the names of the ATC's from the 1880th, or knows what medical unit was operating on base in the early morning hours of Mar 22, 1968 would you please contact me?
C. Kenny's family has a 42 yr old sympathy card signed by eleven members of Det 13. I've found all but two of them:
-Cecil H. McGregor – Forecaster (?) Tech Sergeant or Master Sergeant (?)
-James S. Wernert - AWS Equipment Maintenance (don't know rank)
Am also searching for:
-Bruce Campbell, AWS Observer
-Ron Rider (or Ryder), AWS Observer
Two other men were acquaintances of Kenny's at Binh Thuy, but I'm not sure if they were AWS:
-Ron "Frenchy" French
-Richie Keeney
If anybody from Binh Thuy in 1967-1968 remembers any or all of these men and knows where they might be, please contact me. The smallest detail is valuable. I'm writing this for Kenny's family. There are missing pieces of his life and death at Binh Thuy they have wanted to know for 42 years. They knew him in one world but there were parts of him that grew as a result of his experience in Vietnam they'll never have a chance to know. Combing over the past won't bring him back, but knowing the whole truth of it may help bring further closure and greater peace to them in the aftermath of his loss. My heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to VSPA for providing me the opportunity to post this notice and to those compassionate vets who have responded thus far. Ron Boussom.
