Dear Friend;

This is one of the four or five catalogs each year that go only to Customers. I hope that you were pleased reading about H. C. Agerholm, MOH in the Summer catalog. I hope you also are pleased with this one. Maybe we can hear from soldiers who were on Saipan, July 7, 1944 as well as the Marines who were with Agerholm.

Thomas A. Baker, born, Troy NY, date not stated. Sergeant, Co A, 105th Inf, 27th Inf Div. U.S. Army. On Saipan, Mariana Islands from 19 June to 7 July, 1944; For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty when his entire company was held up by fire from automatic weapons and small arms fire from strongly fortified enemy positions that commanded the view of the company, Sgt (then Pvt.) Baker voluntarily took a bazooka and dashed alone to within 100 yards of the enemy. Through heavy rifle and machine gun fire that was directed at him by the enemy, he knocked out the strong point, enabling his company to assault the ridge. Some days later while his company advanced across the open field flanked with obstruction and places of concealment for the enemy, Sgt. Baker again voluntarily took up a position in the rear to protect the company against surprise attack and came upon 2 heavily fortified enemy pockets manned by 2 officers and 10 enlisted men which had been bypassed. Without regard for such superior numbers, he unhesitatingly attacked and killed all of them. Five hundred yards farther, he discovered 6 more of the enemy who had concealed themselves and destroyed all of them. On July 7, 1944 the perimeter of which Sgt. Baker was a part was attacked by 3,000 to 5,000 Japanese. During the early stages of this attack, Sgt. Baker was seriously wounded but he insisted on remaining in the line and fired at the enemy at ranges sometimes as close as 5 yards until his ammunition ran out. With his weapon battered to uselessness from hand to hand combat, he was carried about 50 yards to the rear by a comrade, who was then wounded himself. At this point, refusing to risk the lives of more of his friends he asked that he be propped against a tree, another comrade, withdrawing, offered assistance. Sgt. Baker refused, insisting that he be left alone and be given a soldiers pistol with its remaining 8 rounds of ammunition. When last seen alive, Sgt. Baker was propped against the tree, pistol in hand, waiting for the enemy. Later Sgt. Baker's body was found in the same position, gun empty, with 8 enemy dead lying before him. His deeds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U. S. Army.

Does anybody out there know Gerald McRaney, or the people who produce his series, "Promised Land"? If you do please pass on my congratulations. If you do not watch it already, take a look. This is is a really good show, stressing things you believe in, television for the family.

We very much appreciate your business and friendship. If you value the quality of service and our commitment to you, then we would like for you to tell your friends. If your friends like fine knives or quality gifts for men they need to know about us.

All the best,

A. G. Russell

To take a look at our web page just go to http://www.agrussell.com
If you send us an e-mail please include your address and Zip. e-mail to ag@agrussell.com