ST. MARIES, Idaho -- People in the small town of St. Maries, Idaho are honored an American hero Saturday. Vernon Baker was the last living African American soldier to receive the Medal of Honor. He died earlier this month at the age of 90.
There did not appear to be enough good words in the English dictionary to describe what Baker meant to his family, friends, people in his community and his country. Several hundred people packed St. Maries Nazeren Church to pay their respects to Baker.
In 1944 during World War II, Baker lead 54 men into combat in Italy in what some described as a suicide mission. On April 5, his platoon sat behind enemy lines. They came under heavy attack. But Baker and his platoon fought back. They took out the gunners. Baker then helped his injured men get to safety and voluntarily led a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and enemy fire to complete the objective.
In 1997, President Bill Clinton awarded Baker the Medal of Honor. Idaho's Lieutenant Governor, Brad Little, read a letter today to Baker's wife and family.
"I hope that together with the support of your friends and loved ones, your memories will comfort and sustain you during these difficult times. All of my thoughts and prayers, sincerely Bill Clinton, President of the United States," read Little.
His wife, Heidy, was then presented the American flag.
Baker will be buried with full military honor in Arlington Cemetery on September 24.
