An American hero Dies

July 2010 saw the death of an american hero and long time friend of the Sproul family.  I need to record this bit of history.  Robert and I attended the funeral in St. Maries with family and friends. The full military acolades of the funeral was something I have never seen before.  There was a group of bikers that came to be the honor guard for ceremony.    I however only heard about this man after his death. 

Fast forward to September.  I have been instructed to prepare an introduction speech for my communication class.  I realize that Vernon J. Baker would be an amazing man to introduce and talking with Mama and Papa and Robert would definately help.  I set the stage for the class.  This is a fundraising dinner for the DAV.  Disabled American Veterans is an organization for Veterans, By Veterans.  Robert is a disabled Vet.

"Good Evenings ladies and gentlemen.  It is my pleasure to fullfil my sweetheart's request and introduce his long-time friend and fellow veteran.  The last WWII Buffalo Soilder and one of the most decorated soliders of the Mediteranian Theater,Vernon J. Baker like many of you refuses to be limited by the label of Disabled Vet.

Vernon joined the Army in 1941 after several requests were denied due to his skin color.  This did not detour Vernon.  Many of his accomplishments have been noted by the NAACP.  They include being one of the first African-Americans to complete officer training after the Pearl Harbor attack.  Vernon was a commissioned Second Lieutenant of the 92nd Infantry Division when they were sent to Italy, making him a member of the first all-black unit to see combat in WWII.  And after the Army desegregated, Vernon was the first African-American commander of an all white company.  However, these civil rights steps that many of you have been able to enjoy the benefits of, pale in comparison to the courage and valor that Vernon showed as an individual.  During WWII, Vernon was honored with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Distinguished Service Cross.  He also received an Italian Cross of Valor of War and a Polish Cross of Valor. 

Vernon left the Army in 1967, when he realized he would not see combat in Vietman.  He choose to serve one tour under the Red Cross.  Feeling that he had completed his personal code of Patriotic Duty, Vernon looked to spend the rest of his life hunting.  But the Army was not ready to forget Vernon.  In early 1997, he was invited to the East Room on the White House.  President Bill Clinton had been authorized to up-grade the service records of seven African-American Veterans to include Congressional Medal of Honors. 

Vernon comes to speak to us today as a friend and supporter of our cause.  He, however, has the distinguishment of being the only African-American WWII veteran to receive a Congressional Medal of Honor during his lifetime.  Please help me in welcoming Second Lieutenant Vernon J. Baker."

At Vernon's funeral his grandson repeated the comment he made when Vernon died.  "Since my grandfather died his picture has become history.  As soon as he died we have lost part of history."

Thank you to all who serve our nation.  May you realize your service does not go un-noticed.  Despite politics and agendas, it is the soldier that makes his stand for freedom, day in and day out.