Vernon Baker, veteran of World War II, passed away in his home on Tuesday. Now only 89 recipients of our nation's highest award for valor remain. From The US Report: All told, Baker had killed nine enemy soldiers, disabled three machine gun positions, an observation post, and a dugout. But his work was not done. The regimental commander “volunteered” Baker to lead another assault on the castle the next day. Fortunately, the Americans captured the now-deserted castle without firing a shot. Baker was the only living black Medal of Honor recipient. He said this of having to serve in a segregated military: “I was an angry young man,” Baker said of how he had felt about serving in a segregated unit. “We were all angry. But we had a job to do, and we did it. My personal thoughts were that I knew things would get better, and I’m glad to say that I’m here to see it.” Watch the full episode. See more Dialogue. (thanks to "Ryfter.wordpress.com" for finding the video)
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Posted
Jul 16 2010, 01:54 AM
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