Photograph of Edward Lee Baker, Jr. of the 10th US Cavalry

Sgt. Maj. Edward L. Baker Jr. served in the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiments during his 28-year military career. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1, 1898, in Santiago, Cuba, during the 10th U.S. Cavalry attack up San Juan Hill. During the chaos of the most pivotal battle of the war, Sergeant Major Baker left his covered position, exposing himself to enemy fire, to rescue a wounded comrade from drowning after being shot while crossing the river at the base of the hill.