Vernon Baker was the first living African American World War II Veteran to receive a Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest and most prestigious personal military decoration that may be awarded to recognize U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. The medal is normally awarded by the President of th…
What did Vernon Baker do in the war?
Vernon Baker. Vernon Joseph Baker (December 17, 1919 – July 13, 2010) was a United States Army officer who received the Medal of Honor, the highest military award given by the United States Government for his valorous actions during World War II. He was awarded the medal for his actions on April 5–6, 1945 near Viareggio, Italy.
Was Vernon Baker unjustly denied the Medal of Honor?
In 1996, the Army affirmed that seven African Americans, including Vernon Baker, had been unjustly denied the Medal of Honor for actions during World War II. In a 1997 White House ceremony, Vernon J. Baker was one of seven African Americans presented with the Medal of Honor, the US military’s highest decoration, by President Bill Clinton.
When did Vernon Baker retire from the Army?
He retired from the Army in 1968. Vernon Baker is presented the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton on January 13, 1997. In the early 1990s, it was determined that Black soldiers had been denied consideration for the Medal of Honor (MOH) in World War II because of their race.
Is Vernon Baker still alive today?
Vernon Baker. He was awarded the medal for his actions on April 5–6, 1945 near Viareggio, Italy. Baker was the only living black American World War II veteran of the seven belatedly awarded the Medal of Honor when it was bestowed upon him by President Bill Clinton in 1997. He died in 2010 at the age of 90.
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What contributions did Vernon Baker make?
Baker led two actions against the enemy, taking out machine gun nests and observation posts and ultimately leading a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire to secure the occupied mountain objective. This action helped breech the Gothic line and drive German forces out of northern Italy.
What awards did Vernon Baker win?
Army Medal of HonorPurple HeartBronze Star MedalVernon Baker/Awards
When did Baker receive his Medal?
Medal of Honor Action Place: Near Castle Aghinolfi, Germany For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:First Lieutenant Vernon J. Baker distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 5 and 6 April 1945.
Who was the most decorated black soldier?
Henry JohnsonHenry Johnson (World War I soldier)Henry JohnsonNickname(s)Black Death, Harlem TerminatorBornc.July 15, 1892 Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United StatesDiedJuly 1, 1929 (aged 36) Washington, D.C., United StatesBuriedArlington National Cemetery9 more rows
Who was the first Medal of Honor winner?
Pvt. Jacob ParrottSo it's fitting to start with the very first recipient to ever receive the medal: Army Pvt. Jacob Parrott. Parrott was born on July 17, 1843, in Fairfield County, Ohio. He enlisted in the Army as part of Company K, 33rd Ohio Voluntary Infantry, during the Civil War.
What was the significance of the Battle of the Bulge?
The Battle of the Bulge marked the last German offense on the Western Front. The catastrophic losses on the German side prevented Germany from resisting the advance of Allied forces following the Normandy Invasion. Less than four months after the end of the Battle of the Bulge, Germany surrendered to Allied forces.
Who was the last black Medal of Honor recipient?
became the first ever black member of the Marine Corps to receive the Medal of Honor. Vietnam Special Forces soldier William Bryant (1969) was the last African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor, and today there is but one living African American recipient, Vietnam veteran Clarence Sasser.
Has anyone received the Medal of Honor more than once?
Perhaps the most notable two-time Medal of Honor recipients are Smedley Butler and Dan Daly, both Marines who began their careers in the late-19th century before serving in World War I. Butler received his first medal for guiding his men through a firefight during U.S. involvement in the Mexican Revolution in 1914.
Who was the most decorated soldier in ww2?
Audie MurphyAudie Leon Murphy (20 June 1925 – 28 May 1971) was an American soldier, actor, songwriter, and rancher. He was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II....Audie MurphyAllegianceUnited StatesService/branchUnited States Army United States Army National Guard United States Army Reserve13 more rows
Has a woman won the Medal of Honor?
An American feminist, suffragist, suspected spy, prisoner of war and surgeon, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker remains the only women ever to receive the Medal of Honor, which she was awarded for her service during the Civil War.
Who was the youngest person to receive the Medal of Honor?
The youngest person ever to receive the Medal of Honor was probably William "Willie" Johnston, who earned the Medal during the Civil War just prior to his 12th birthday and received his award 6 weeks after his 13th.
Who was the first black soldier?
Charles Young was born into slavery in a two-room log cabin in Mays Lick, Ky., on March 12, 1864. His father Gabriel later fled to freedom and in 1865 enlisted as a private in the 5th Regiment, U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery.
Who was the most decorated soldier in ww2?
Audie MurphyAudie Leon Murphy (20 June 1925 – 28 May 1971) was an American soldier, actor, songwriter, and rancher. He was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II....Audie MurphyAllegianceUnited StatesService/branchUnited States Army United States Army National Guard United States Army Reserve13 more rows
Who won the Medal of Honor in ww2?
NameDate of actionVernon J. BakerApril 5, 1945 – April 6, 1945Van T. BarfootMay 23, 1944Carlton W. BarrettJune 6, 1944John BasiloneOctober 24, 1942 – October 25, 194239 more rows
How many Medals of Honor were awarded in WWII?
473 Medal of Honor recipientsIn World War II, many men went above and beyond the call of duty. There are 473 Medal of Honor recipients from the war. Their citations are full of heroics and sacrifice. Many of the Medals were awarded posthumously, in recognition of a life cut short.
What war had the most Medal of Honor recipients?
Civil WarIn all, the government presented 1,523 Medals of Honor to recipients who served during Civil War, more than any other period in history. The number does not include medals awarded to the 27th Maine, then rescinded.
Who was Vernon Baker?from nationalww2museum.org
In the early days of The National WWII Museum, Vernon Baker was a guiding force and active participant in the creation of the symposium “Fighting on Two Fronts: The African American Experience in World War II.” His oral history is featured in the Road to Berlin Gallery and online in the Museum's Digital Collections. Baker’s actions are spotlighted in the Separate but Unequal exhibit in the Arsenal of Democracy Gallery, the Medal of Honor exhibit in the US Freedom Pavilion, and in the traveling exhibition Fighting for the Right to Fight African American experiences in World War II.
Who was the only person to receive the Medal of Honor?from nationalww2museum.org
Baker was the only one of the seven recipients still living to personally accept the award, which he tearfully and humbly did, recognizing and remembering those that were not there with him. Vernon Baker with President Clinton at the Medal of Honor ceremony on January 13, 1997, Image courtesy of Vernon Baker.
What was the name of the unit that Baker was in command of in 1945?from en.wikipedia.org
In the spring of 1945, Baker was in command of Weapons Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 370th Infantry. On April 5, his unit was ordered to assault a German-occupied mountain stronghold.
When did Vernon Baker get his commission?from nationalww2museum.org
After 13 weeks of OCS training at Ft. Benning, Baker received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant on January 11 , 1943. Subsequently he was assigned to command a weapons platoon in the segregated 370th Infantry Regiment of the 92nd Infantry Division. Lt. Vernon Baker on January 11, 1943. Image courtesy of Vernon Baker.
How did Lieutenant Baker cover the evacuation of the wounded?from nationalww2museum.org
He then covered the evacuation of the wounded personnel of his company by occupying an exposed position and drawing the enemy's fire.
How did Baker destroy the German machine gun nest?from nationalww2museum.org
Baker covered their withdrawal as they retreated, but two more of Baker’s men were killed. Under intense fire, Baker managed to crawl and use grenades to destroy two German machine gun nests clearing the way for his remaining men to reach the safety of the nearest forward aid station.
Why did Baker get turned away from the army?from nationalww2museum.org
Initially, he was turned away by the recruiter because he was African American, but Baker did not give up. He tried again, in June 1941, and was eventually accepted into the infantry.
Who was Vernon Baker?from en.wikipedia.org
In the early days of The National WWII Museum, Vernon Baker was a guiding force and active participant in the creation of the symposium “Fighting on Two Fronts: The African American Experience in World War II.” His oral history is featured in the Road to Berlin Gallery and online in the Museum's Digital Collections. Baker’s actions are spotlighted in the Separate but Unequal exhibit in the Arsenal of Democracy Gallery, the Medal of Honor exhibit in the US Freedom Pavilion, and in the traveling exhibition Fighting for the Right to Fight African American experiences in World War II.
Who was the only person to receive the Medal of Honor?from nationalww2museum.org
Baker was the only one of the seven recipients still living to personally accept the award, which he tearfully and humbly did, recognizing and remembering those that were not there with him. Vernon Baker with President Clinton at the Medal of Honor ceremony on January 13, 1997, Image courtesy of Vernon Baker.
What was the name of the unit that Baker was in command of in 1945?from en.wikipedia.org
In the spring of 1945, Baker was in command of Weapons Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 370th Infantry. On April 5, his unit was ordered to assault a German-occupied mountain stronghold.
How many men did Vernon Baker have in 1944?from nrcs.usda.gov
In 1944, second lieutenant Vernon J. Baker was sent to Italy with a full platoon of 54 men. On April 5 he and his men found themselves behind enemy lines.
What does "And we were a heck of a lot better than the people that ran us down thought we were?from nrcs.usda.gov
It means that every black solider that fought in the Second World War has been vindicated, every one. The correspondence that Baker has received since receiving his Medal of Honor has encouraged him. Oh, there's lots of hope.
How did Lieutenant Baker cover the evacuation of the wounded?from nationalww2museum.org
He then covered the evacuation of the wounded personnel of his company by occupying an exposed position and drawing the enemy's fire.
How did Baker destroy the German machine gun nest?from nationalww2museum.org
Baker covered their withdrawal as they retreated, but two more of Baker’s men were killed. Under intense fire, Baker managed to crawl and use grenades to destroy two German machine gun nests clearing the way for his remaining men to reach the safety of the nearest forward aid station.
When was the Medal of Honor awarded to former soldiers?
In October of that year, Congress passed legislation that would allow President Clinton to award the Medal of Honor to these former soldiers. Seven of the ten, including Baker, were approved, and awarded the MOH (six had Distinguished Service Crosses revoked and upgraded to the MOH), on January 12, 1997.
Who was the first black person to receive the Medal of Honor?
A day later, Bak er (the only living recipient) and representatives for the six other men were given the awards by President Bill Clinton at a ceremony in the White House in Washington, D.C. The seven recipients were the first (and only) Black Americans to be awarded the Medal of Honor for World War II.
What was the name of the unit that Baker was in command of in 1945?
In the spring of 1945, Baker was in command of Weapons Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 370th Infantry. On April 5, his unit was ordered to assault a German-occupied mountain stronghold.
Where was Vernon Baker born?
Baker was born on December 17, 1919, in Cheyenne, Wyoming , the youngest of three children. After his parents died in a car accident when he was four, he and his two sisters were raised by their paternal grandparents. His grandfather Joseph S. Baker, a railroad worker in Cheyenne, taught him to hunt in order to feed the family and became "the most influential figure in Vernon's life." His relationship with his wheelchaired grandmother was much more strained, and he spent a few years at the Boys Town orphanage in Nebraska to be away from her. Baker graduated in 1939 from Clarinda High School in his grandfather's hometown of Clarinda, Iowa. He worked as a railroad porter, a job he despised, until his grandfather's death from cancer on Christmas in 1939. A series of menial jobs followed.
Why were black soldiers denied the Medal of Honor?
In the early 1990s, it was determined that Black soldiers had been denied consideration for the Medal of Honor (MOH) in World War II because of their race. In 1993, the U.S. Army had contracted Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, to research and determine if there was racial disparity in the review process for recipients of the MOH. The study commissioned by the U.S. Army, described systematic racial discrimination in the criteria for awarding decorations during World War II. After an exhaustive review of files, the study recommended in 1996 that ten Black Americans who served in World War II be awarded the MOH. In October of that year, Congress passed legislation that would allow President Clinton to award the Medal of Honor to these former soldiers. Seven of the ten, including Baker, were approved, and awarded the MOH (six had Distinguished Service Crosses revoked and upgraded to the MOH), on January 12, 1997. On January 13, 1997, President Clinton presented the MOH to Baker, age 77, and posthumously presented the MOH to the other six Black Americans.
Where did Baker go to training?
After basic training at Camp Wolters in Texas, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 370th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division.
Who was awarded the Sandor Teszler Award for Moral Courage and Service to Humankind?
On September 11, 2008, Vernon Baker was awarded the Sandor Teszler Award for Moral Courage and Service to Humankind by Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Along with the award, Baker received an honorary doctorate from the college.