PULLMAN, Wash.- Vernon Baker, the only living black World War II veteran to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, will visit Washington State University Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. He will speak in the CUB Cascade Room 127.
President Clinton awarded Baker the military’s highest decoration on Jan. 13. Baker’s actions in World War II earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second highest award. Due to racial attitudes at the time, he was not considered for the medal. More than 50 years later, after an audit of his military record, the Pentagon recognized Baker’s service and awarded him the recognition.
ASWSU Veteran’s Affairs Committee sponsors Baker’s visit to WSU as part of the 1997 Veteran’s Week celebration.
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