Lt Willis Welker Baird

Bronze Star

Wills Welker Baird was born on January 8, 1920 to Mr. and Mrs Lee Baird of Tularosa NM.  Graduating from Tularosa HS in 1938 he enrolled at NMAMC the following fall.  In 1942 he graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Agriculture with honors.  After enlisting in the US Army he was assigned to the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.  The unit shipped to England in January 1944 and spearheaded the allied invasion landing on Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.  Three days later, on June 9, 1944, the 12th forged ahead boldly with both flanks exposed. Germans, fighting desperately to gain time, called on their reserve power, including two bicycle storm battalions. When the 12th hit the enemy main line of resistance near Emondeville, France an all-day battle, packed with repeated attacks and counter-attacks, raged. Twice, the regiment's CP was attacked, but the Nazis eventually were routed.  It was during this action that Lt Baird was killed in action, receiving the bronze star.  He is buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.  He was 24 years of age at the time of his death.