MADISON — Wisconsin World War II veteran Harry Dillon Baker will celebrate his 103rd birthday on Oct. 9. At the request of his family, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff is asking for the public’s help in marking Baker’s milestone by sending a birthday card made out to him, which the staff will deliver to his home.  

Madison-born Lieutenant Colonel Baker served for a combined 24 years active duty with the U.S. Army and in the U.S. Army Reserves. He joined the ROTC at Michigan State University and later attended officer candidate school at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 

During World War II, he was assigned to the 76th Infantry Division at Camp McCoy. He deployed to the European Theater 11 months later. Baker served as an artillery spotter/forward observer with K Company, 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Division, Army Reserve. He was part of “Patton’s Army” as he describes it, seeing action at the end of the Ardennes-Alsace campaign, and the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. Read more about Baker on the museum blog.

In a 2021 interview, Baker was asked what he wanted young people to know. He said, “When the time comes to support your country, be the first to be there.”

The museum and family are asking the public for their support to make Baker’s 103rd birthday on Oct. 9 memorable. Send birthday cards only by Sept. 18. Other items will not be delivered.

For additional information, contact Jennifer Stevenson, Wisconsin Veterans Museum Senior Marketing Specialist, at (608) 224-9653 or jennifer.

stevenson@dva.wisconsin.gov.