Medal of Honor hero Vernon Baker dies at age 90 (Denied because of race)

[RamboLiberal]

Source: USA Today

BOISE (AP) — Vernon Baker, a black U.S. soldier who belatedly received the Medal of Honor for his World War II battlefield valor after historians concluded he'd been wrongly denied the military's top award because of his race, died at his home near St. Maries, Idaho. He was 90.

Baker died Tuesday of complications of brain cancer, Benewah County coroner and funeral home owner Ron Hodge said.

Then-President Bill Clinton presented the nation's highest award for battlefield valor to Baker in 1997. He was one of just seven black soldiers to receive it and the only living recipient.

"The only thing that I can say to those who are not here with me is, 'Thank you, fellas, well done,'" Baker told The Washington Post after the ceremony. "'And I will always remember you.'"

In 1944, 2nd Lt. Baker was sent to Italy with a full platoon of 54 men. On April 5, he and his soldiers found themselves behind enemy lines near Viareggio, Italy. When concentrated enemy fire from several machine gun emplacements stopped his company's advance, Baker crawled to one and destroyed it, killing three Germans. Continuing forward, he attacked an enemy observation post and killed two occupants.


Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2010-07-14-obituary-vernon-baker_N.htm

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:patriot: Shame that even as soldiers the country denied African-Americans their due. Thought even after the showing their bravery in other wars that they couldn't not fight, or pilot a plane, or serve in the Navy at anything beyond labor or mess.

RIP Lt. Baker.

[rasputin1952]

1. RIP LT Baker...

:patriot:

[sarge43]

2. Rest in Peace, Sir

Thank you. :patriot:

[Gemini Cat]

3. RIP Lt. Baker

[Clyde39]

4. This story was on NBC News tonight

Brian Williams always reports on the passing of Medal of Honor recipients. This story was especially moving.

[PJPhreak]

5. Thank You Sir.

[denbot]

6. Bravo Zulu soldier.

Rest easy.

[melm00se]

7. his citation reads

For extraordinary heroism in action on 5 and 6 April 1945, near Viareggio, Italy. Then Second Lieutenant Baker demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in destroying enemy installations, personnel and equipment during his company's attack against a strongly entrenched enemy in mountainous terrain. When his company was stopped by the concentration of fire from several machine gun emplacements, he crawled to one position and destroyed it, killing three Germans. Continuing forward, he attacked an enemy observation post and killed two occupants. With the aid of one of his men, Lieutenant Baker attacked two more machine gun nests, killing or wounding the four enemy soldiers occupying these positions. He then covered the evacuation of the wounded personnel of his company by occupying an exposed position and drawing the enemy's fire. On the following night Lieutenant Baker voluntarily led a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire toward the division objective. Second Lieutenant Baker's fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

[Statistical]

8. Rest In Peace Lt. Baker. That will be all.