Vernon Baker: The Soldier Who Had to Wait Decades for Recognition

Vernon Baker: The Soldier Who Had to Wait Decades for Recognition

Today I want to tell you about Vernon Baker, an extraordinary African American soldier whose  recognition took far too long.

Vernon Joseph Baker was born on the 17^th of December 1919 in Cheyenne, United States. He had a hard childhood. He tragically lost both his parents in a car accident when he was only four years old. He and his sisters were raised by their grandparents.

In June 1941, he enlisted in the United States Army, despite facing racial discrimination during recruitment. During World War Two, he served with the 370^th Infantry Regiment, 92^nd Infantry Division in the Italian Campaign. In April 1945, near Castle Aghinolfi in Italy, Baker showed amazing courage. Under relentless enemy fire, he personally destroyed machine-gun positions, an observation post, and a dugout, risking his own life to save others. Out of 25 men in his platoon, only six survived uninjured.

After World War Two, Baker continued to serve his country. He became a paratrooper in the 11^th Airborne Division and also served during the Korean War. He  retired from the Army in 1968 with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Racial prejudice meant he was denied America’s highest military honour for decades. Finally, on the 13^th of January 1997, Bill Clinton presented Baker with the Medal of Honor at the White House. He was the only living Black World War Two soldier among seven whose awards were corrected.

Vernon Baker received many honours, including the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, two Bronze Star Medals with V Device, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and foreign awards from Italy and Poland.

He died on the 13^th of July 2010, aged 90, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

How many other heroes waited too long to be seen?