Greg and his fiancee, Nancy Fischer, were returning from a vacation in Columbia to Greg’s post in the Dominican Republic when their plane crashed into mountains at the edge of the airport, killing everyone on board.
Photos shared by Greg’s brother, Jim.
In August of 1971, I was a young soldier home on leave prior to my tour in Viet Nam. Also home in Berlin Ct, having finished college, was Greg Baker, a friend since grammar school. Greg came by to see me one day, and we hung out in the yard shooting the breeze.
Greg was one of many young men of that time who faced a choice. No longer having a college draft deferment, Greg’s options included joining a branch of our military (Except the Coast Guard. They had more applicants than they could handle), wait and be drafted, join the Peace Corps, or leave the country.
That afternoon Greg told me he was joining the Peace Corps. That was the last time I saw or spoke with Greg.
I was back home in the States, unscathed, ski bumming and living in Vail Colo. when I learned that Greg and Nancy were killed in the plane crash.
Every Memorial Day, it is my tradition to raise a toast to the service members this country has lost. I have always included Greg in this remembrance, as I believe that he too was serving his country.
In the future, I hope those of you who read this will also include fallen Peace Corps volunteers in your Memorial Day observances.
RIP Greg and Nancy.
Jimmy , I remember your bothers well. I will always remember them and Happy and your Dad. Good, good people.
Greg was a best friend of mine. We grew up together in the bonding years of high school. I will carry those memories and feelings all my life. I also knew Nancy. Real nice girl. I think of them, both, often.
Hi Jim, Jeanne Taylor here. I think of those two wonderful, happy people often. They come to mind a lot in menemsha, and when I am in the air in the Bahamas. I imagine them today! Wish it were so. Love , Jeanne
Jim, I didn’t know Greg had passed. What a tragedy but he obviously was doing something he loved to do. He was a great guy
So loved. So missed. Thank you for posting
Thoughts & prayers go out to you Jim. I remember hearing of Greg’s death. Our hearts ached for your family. The unspeakable grief that parents and siblings endure when not only one, but two children die so young.
Also missing Steve.
Gregory Baker was my brother. We grew up in Berlin CT, sons of Lawrence and Harriet Baker. Greg served in the Dominican Republic.
He died in an airliner crash during takeoff while returning there from Bogotá Columbia on August 27th, 1973. Today is Greg’s birthday, he would have been 68. I miss him.
Jim,
I was co-captain of the Nichols College soccer team with Greg. I was in his dorm every year and senior year I don’t remember many evening meals that we didn’t eat together.
As freshmen on the soccer team we were not starters so one game at halftime the coach sent us off to run in cross country race. We got letters in both cross country and soccer that year. Everyone at Nichols liked Greg. It was impossible not to like him. I just happened to search online with this being the 60 anniversary of Peace Corp.
Thanks for posting pictures and story.
I named my first son after Greg.
Rod Swain