This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Bill Baker, LCDR
to remember
Baker, Benjamin Franklin (MOH), CPO USN(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Dennisport
Last Address Dennisport, MA
Date of Passing May 19, 1927
Location of Interment Swan Lake Cemetery - Dennis Port, Massachusetts
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
I have created this page to honor a distant relative, my Great Great Great Great Great Uncle Benjamin Franklin Baker. He served in the USN, and was awarded the Navy Medal of Honor while serving aboard the USS Nashville during the Spanish American War. At the time of the event, he was a Coxswain, but he was last a Chief Master at Arms.
During his service, Benjamin would often skip meals and sent the 50 cents he saved home to his family instead. Baker retired from the Navy with the rank of Chief Master-at-Arms in 1915.
Chief Baker died on May 19, 1927 at Dennis Port, Massachusetts and was buried in Swan Lake Cemetery in the same town. His grave is cared for by AMVETS Post 333 and local Cub Scouts.[1] In 2015, the Dennis Historical Commission honored his service with the first public recognition of his award since his death.
Other Comments:
The Medal of Honor Citation reads:
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 12 March 1862, Dennisport, Mass. G.O. No.: 521, 7 July 1899.
"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."
Spanish-American War/Battle of Cienfuegos
From Month/Year
May / 1898
To Month/Year
May / 1898
Description Spanish Navy ships had repeatedly eluded American pursuers and delivered troops and supplies to Cuba. When it was discovered that undersea telegraph cables provided the port of Cienfuegos with vital communications.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
May / 1898
To Month/Year
May / 1898
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
Memories Medal of Honor Citation: 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 .
