#VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Herbert Baker, Jr.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Herbert Baker, Jr. Herbert served during World War II as a Corporal from 1943 to 1947.

Herbert was drafted into the Marine Corps in 1943 and completed basic training in San Diego, California, at Camp Pendleton before being sent to Hilo, Hawaii. For the remainder of the war, Herbert worked mainly in Hiroshima and in Nagasaki, Japan. Herbert served as a Forward Observer in Communications while in Japan and worked alongside the Artillery Battery, the 13th Regiment, and 5th Marine Division units.

Herbert established several lifelong friendships during his time in the service and, throughout his lifetime, attended events that brought his fellow servicemen together—including the 50th Reunion of the Fifth Division in 1997 in honor of his unit’s efforts in the war. Long after his time as active military personnel, Herbert continually volunteered his time to the American Legion Post 370 of New Harmony, Indiana, an organization that honors men and women of the armed services.

Herbert passed away in 2008 in New Harmony, Indiana, surrounded by loved ones.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic By Joanna Specht: Joanna Specht is a student at Black Hawk College with a Major in Visual Communication.