ND Veterans Affairs News: State

Buried at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

Buried at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

Born 29 April 1919 in Wilton ND (Burleigh County). Entered US Navy in Minneapolis MN on 20 July 1938. Served Asiatic Pacific Theater. On duty in the radio compartment of the USS Oklahoma when it was hit by Japanese Type 91 aerial torpedoes 7 December 1941. The Oklahoma capsized approximately 12 minutes after the first torpedo hit. Name is included on the ND All Veterans Memorial on the state capitol grounds Bismarck ND. Name is included on page 60 of the ND Register of Veterans WWII and Korean Conflict book. From Obituary: The Healy Chapel: Walter H.

On the USS Sculpin when it was sunk by the Japanese Destroyer Yamagumo after a surface engagement near Truk. Baglien was rescued by the Destroyer and was being transported by the Japanese ship "Chuyo", which was sunk by the USS Sailfish.

Clarence Baker was born June 1, 1924 to Ella Baker.

From American Legion Historian for Post 250 in Gackle ND:

Ella and Clarence were listed in the 1925 North Dakota Census as living in Gackle (no address was noted).

In the 1930 Federal Census, Clarence was living with John J. and Alina Wirkkunen and their three children, Ina, Hulda and Einart.  They lived 3 miles East of Gackle.  He was listed as a Step-Son and Nephew in the census.  No other information was available.

Buried at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

Received Purple Heart and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster awards.