Meet Lieutenant Vernon J Baker, US Army (1919 - 2010)
Active Duty Service: 1941 - 1968
Joined in 1941, Commissioned as an Officer in 1943.
Led the Battalion assault on Castle Aghinolfi, held by German troops (Viareggio, Italy) & secured the mountain on the 2nd day for American troops in 1945.
MoH Awarded 52 years later in 1997.
After the end of WWII, LT Baker remained in Europe with the Allied occupation forces until 1947.
Losing his commission due to the lack of a college education.
He was recommissioned during the Korean War
Served from 1941 - 1968 in both WWII & the Korean War
During active duty he was awarded the Bronze Star, Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Purple Hearts, & his CIB.
After the Korean Armistice 1953, LT Baker was administratively reduced to the enlisted ranks. He remained in the Army and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant.
He retired from the Army in 1968 and was promoted on the retired list to first lieutenant, the highest rank he held in 27 years of service.
Despite all that was done wrong to him and all the adversity he faced, Vernon Baker never stopped smiling, or serving his fellow man. After retiring from the Army he spent another 20 years working for the Red Cross.
This man was truly an individual who exemplified the values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Vernon J Baker was a true leader among men.
Rest in Peace, Lieutenant Baker.
References:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55072453
https://www.biography.com/people/vernon-j-baker-403080
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/media/press-releases/national-wwii-museum-salutes-vernon-j-baker