the units were transformed from observation organizations into reconnaissance, liaison, fighter, and bombardment squadrons. they served in every major combat theater during the war. the most significant wartime contribution of national guard aviators was to train and lead the large numbers of volunteer airmen who had entered the aaf. that role was epitomized by lt col addison e. baker, a guardsman from akron, ohio. on 1 august 1943, baker commanded the viii bomber command's 93d bombardment group on a daring but ill-fated low-level attack against enemy oil refineries at ploiești, romania. baker was posthumously awarded the medal of honor for his heroic leadership.