RIP Vernon Baker, MoH

[Story]

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.

With the aid of one of his men, Baker attacked two more machine gun nests, killing or wounding the four enemy soldiers occupying these positions. Then he covered the evacuation of his wounded soldiers by occupying an exposed position and drawing the enemy's fire.

On the following night, Baker voluntarily led a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire.

In all, Baker and his platoon killed 26 Germans and destroyed six machine gun nests, two observer posts and four dugouts.

He said later he felt the company commander, who said he was going to get reinforcements, had abandoned his group of men.

http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/article_81c79c18-9178-5137-890a-8295f89fd6be.html

 

[Dudleydoright]

He sounds like not just a brave man but also an intelligent and compassionate human being.

RiP fella.

Dave

 

[csmiller]

Vernon Baker

I'm glad that he finally got the recognition that he truly deserved, and was alive to receive it. Just wish it had been 50 years earlier at the time that he performed his heroic deeds.

Craig

 

[too much coffee]

I was fortunate to meet Vernon Baker while I was still in the Army. This was prior to his receiving the Medal of Honor.

He was probably the most articulate, humble and unassuming man I ever met. A real class act and the epitome of a gentleman. We were discussing crime (home invasions, assault, burglaries) and he showed me his M-1 Garand that he kept loaded near his bed. There is no doubt he could still wield that rifle with the same dexterity and quickness that he possessed during the war.

Rest In Peace my friend and thank you for sharing your memories.

coffee out

 

[Story]

He was probably the most articulate, humble and unassuming man I ever met. A real class act and the epitome of a gentleman. We were discussing crime (home invasions, assault, burglaries) and he showed me his M-1 Garand that he kept loaded near his bed. There is no doubt he could still wield that rifle with the same dexterity and quickness that he possessed during the war.

Thanks for sharing that story, made my morning coffee all the better. Look what I found.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/15/us/15baker.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2&src=mv

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Video interview
http://www.nwcn.com/news/idaho/Firs...f-Honor-recipient-dies-in-Idaho-98515339.html