Frederick "Fred" Baker

Frederick “Fred” Baker’s life journey has been marked by his service in the U.S. Army, a career in telecommunications, and a deep commitment to family. Born in Beallsville, Ohio, Fred’s early years were challenging but formative. As a young man, he was dating his future wife, but the couple had not yet become engaged when Fred was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean War. At the time, Fred’s financial situation was humble—his brother gave him $20 as he left home, which was all he had to his name.

Fred’s military journey began with basic training, where he was stationed in Maryland before being transferred to Camp Kilmer in New Jersey and then to Fort Knox in Kentucky. He spent his initial months with the 101st Airborne Division, though his time with the Airborne was brief, as he was soon reassigned to the 82nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery unit. Fred’s deployment took him to Germany, where he spent nearly two years, primarily stationed near Munich. His role was in anti-aircraft defense, but over time, Fred found himself taking on additional responsibilities. 

During his time in Germany, Fred attended numerous military schools and eventually took on the role of teaching troops in information and education classes. His superiors recognized his organizational skills and offered him the position of mail clerk—a role he hesitated to accept at first but ultimately embraced. As the mail clerk, Fred quickly became one of the most popular soldiers in his unit, since “everyone was your friend” when you were responsible for delivering the mail. Fred held this position for the remainder of his service in Germany, a role that allowed him to connect with his fellow soldiers in a unique way.

One of the most memorable experiences from Fred’s time in basic training was crawling under live ammunition fire in trenches filled with water and mud. This rigorous training exercise, held in the winter, left a lasting impression on him, as he vividly recalls having to clean his rifle late into the night, using only small cleaning patches. This experience was just one of many that taught Fred the importance of discipline, resilience, and attention to detail.

After nearly two years in Germany, Fred returned to the United States for a brief furlough before being discharged in October 1954. Upon returning home, he reunited with his girlfriend, who had been waiting for him throughout his service. She was working as a secretary in Canton, Ohio, by that time, and the couple soon married. Fred brought back a ring from Germany, symbolizing their commitment, and they were married in 1955, beginning a life together that would last decades.

Following his discharge from the Army, Fred struggled to find steady employment, working various jobs that he didn’t find fulfilling. His desire for independence and a stable career led him to the telephone company, where he worked for 31 years. Fred thrived in his role there, building a career that provided for his family and gave him a sense of accomplishment. His work ethic and dedication, values instilled in him during his time in the military, carried over into his civilian life, helping him succeed in his long career with the telephone company.

Fred and his wife eventually relocated to Florida, where their daughter lived. The couple had spent many winters visiting Florida, staying with family and enjoying the warm weather. After retiring, they decided to make Florida their permanent home, officially moving to the state two years ago. The warm climate and proximity to family made it an ideal place for them to settle down in their later years.

Reflecting on his time in the military, Fred acknowledges that the experience taught him valuable lessons in structure, discipline, and responsibility. While he may not immediately recall specific life lessons from his service, it’s clear that his time in the Army shaped his character and approach to life. The discipline he learned during his time in the service helped him navigate both his military duties and his long career in telecommunications.

Now, in his later years, Fred reflects on the simplicity of his military service and the straightforward nature of his career. His story is one of perseverance, dedication to family, and a commitment to doing what needed to be done. Fred’s journey from a young man drafted into the Army, to a dedicated telephone company employee, to a retiree enjoying the Florida sunshine, is a testament to his resilience and adaptability.

Fred remains grateful for the opportunities he had in life, from serving his country to building a career and raising a family. His story serves as a reminder of the many ways in which military service can shape a person’s life, even when they may not realize it at the time. With a full life behind him, Fred can look back with pride on his service, his career, and the family he has built.