Staff-Sergeant Frederick William Baacke
Unit : "B" Squadron, No.1 Wing, The Glider Pilot Regiment
Army No. : 2120531
Awards : Croix de Guerre
Fred Baacke was the second pilot of glider No.96, carrying No.6 Platoon of the Coup-de-Main force to Ranville Bridge over the River Orne. He and Staff-Sergeant Howard made a perfect landing on LZ-Y, from which No.6 Platoon were able to go swiftly into the assault and overcome the garrison. Baacke was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his actions:
On the night of June 5/6th 1944 Staff-Sergeant Baacke was one of the pilots of a Glider containing troops to capture the Bridge over the River Orne. The Glider was released over the coast at 5000 feet and in spite of difficult weather conditions landed so near the Bridge that complete surprise was gained and the objective captured. Staff-Sergeant Baacke himself took part in the assault. There is no doubt that this N.C.O's skill in the air, in conjunction with his co-pilot, largely contributed to the success of this vital part of the operation.