Benjamin F. Baker

Cut the Cienfuegos cable under heavy enemy fire

Benjamin F. Baker received the Medal of Honor for bravery during the cutting of communications cables at Cienfuegos, Cuba, in the Spanish-American War. On 11 May 1898, he served as a coxswain aboard USS Nashville.

Born in Dennis Port, Massachusetts, on 12 March 1862, Baker demonstrated courage and composure while the cable-cutting operation came under heavy enemy fire. His official citation recognizes the example he set throughout the action.

Official 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.”

Commander Raymond P. Rodgers of Nashville presented Baker's Medal of Honor at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Massachusetts, on 16 August 1899. Baker later attained the rating of chief master-at-arms. He died in Brockton, Massachusetts, on 19 May 1927 and was buried in Old Swan Lake Cemetery in Dennis Port. His medal is held by the Dennis Historical Society Maritime Museum in West Dennis, preserving a local connection to the Cienfuegos operation.