Ralph "Bud" Baker was born in Oak, Neb., on Sept. 30, 1924, to Ralph and Lillie Baker. He had four sisters, Betty, Hazel, Ilamae and Sandra; and four brothers, Robert, Fred, Stanley and Roger. After graduation from Nelson High School. He joined the army. Ralph was a weapons instructor before going to England. After climbing up from the beach into France, he joined the 7th Armored Division Co. "B" 23 BAT. and fought in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was wounded in Holland.

He was a baseball pitcher for the Oak town team with a record of 9-3, 9-2 and 5-2. He married Betty J. Clar...