Vernon Joseph Baker

More than half a century passed before America fully recognized one of World War II's most remarkable acts of battlefield courage. On an Italian mountainside, Vernon Joseph Baker led his soldiers against heavily fortified German positions, risked his life to rescue wounded comrades, and demonstrated extraordinary leadership under devastating enemy fire. His actions would eventually earn him the Medal of Honor and establish his place among America's most distinguished African American military heroes.

Born on December 17, 1919, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Baker overcame childhood hardship and racial discrimination to pursue a career in the United States Army. Initially rejected by a recruiter because of his race, he successfully enlisted in June 1941. His leadership abilities earned him a commission as a second lieutenant in January 1943. He subsequently commanded a weapons platoon in Company C, 370th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division, one of the celebrated Buffalo Soldiers formations.

In 1944, Baker deployed to Italy with the U.S. Fifth Army. During fighting near Seravezza on October 8, he led a dangerous attack against a German-held position and suffered a serious arm wound. After approximately two months of hospitalization, he returned to combat duty.

His defining moment came on April 5, 1945, during the assault on Castle Aghinolfi near Viareggio, Italy. Leading approximately 25 soldiers toward a powerful German stronghold, Baker personally attacked machine-gun nests, eliminated an observation post, and destroyed a fortified dugout. His Medal of Honor citation credited him with killing nine German soldiers and neutralizing three machine-gun positions, an observation post, and a dugout.

When intense enemy fire inflicted devastating casualties, Baker volunteered to cover the withdrawal of wounded soldiers. Despite the danger, he remained exposed to enemy fire while helping his men escape. The following night, he again demonstrated exceptional courage by voluntarily leading an advance through minefields and heavy fire toward the division's objective.

For his heroism, Baker received the Distinguished Service Cross on July 4, 1945. His wartime recognition also included the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart, while Italian and Polish decorations acknowledged his military service.

Baker remained in the Army after World War II, served through the Korean War era, and became one of the early African American officers to command an integrated airborne company. After retiring in 1968, he continued serving others through more than two decades of work with the American Red Cross.

On January 13, 1997, President Bill Clinton presented Baker with the Medal of Honor following a review of racial discrimination in World War II gallantry awards. He was the only surviving recipient among seven African American soldiers whose wartime Distinguished Service Cross awards were upgraded.

Vernon Joseph Baker died on July 13, 2010, at the age of 90 and was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

His legacy reaches beyond the Medal of Honor. It is the story of a soldier who fought for his country despite racial injustice, placed his men's survival above his own safety, and demonstrated that genuine courage deserves recognition regardless of race or background.

Medal of Honor citation

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. At 0500 hours on 5 April 1945, Lieutenant Baker advanced at the head of his weapons platoon, along with Company C's three rifle platoons, towards their objective; Castle Aghinolfi - a German mountain strong point on the high ground just east of the coastal highway and about two miles from the 370th infantry Regiment's line of departure. Moving more rapidly than the rest of the company, Lieutenant Baker and about 25 men reached the south side of a draw some 250 yards from the castle within two hours. In reconnoitering for a suitable position to set up a machine gun, Lieutenant Baker observed two cylindrical objects pointing out of a slit in a mount at the edge of a hill. Crawling up and under the opening, he stuck his M-1 into the slit and emptied the clip, killing the observation post's two occupants. Moving to another position in the same area, Lieutenant Baker stumbled upon a well-camouflaged machine gun nest, the crew of which was eating breakfast. He shot and killed both enemy soldiers. After Captain John F. Runyon, Company C's Commander joined the group, a German soldier appeared from the draw and hurled a grenade which failed to explode. Lieutenant Baker shot the enemy soldier twice as he tried to flee. Lieutenant Baker then went down into the draw alone. There he blasted open the concealed entrance of another dugout with a hand grenade, shot one German soldier who emerged after the explosion, tossed another grenade into the dugout and entered firing his sub-machine gun, killing two more Germans. As Lieutenant Baker climbed back out of the draw, enemy machine gun and mortar fire began to inflict heavy casualties among the group of 25 soldiers, killing or wounding about two-thirds of them. When expected reinforcements did not arrive, Captain Runyon ordered a withdrawal in two groups. Lieutenant Baker volunteered to cover the withdrawal of the first group, which consisted mostly of walking wounded, and to remain to assist in the evacuation of the more seriously wounded. During the second group's withdrawal, Lieutenant Baker, supported by covering fire from one of his platoon members, destroyed two machine gun positions (previously bypassed during the assault) with hand grenades. In all, Lieutenant Baker accounted for nine enemy dead soldiers, elimination of three machine gun positions, an observation post, and a dugout. On the following night, Lieutenant Baker voluntary led a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire toward the division objective. Lieutenant Baker's fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.