The Spokesman-Review
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14th July 2010
World War II hero Vernon Baker dies
Vernon Baker, the only living black World War II veteran to receive the Medal of Honor – the nation’s highest commendation for battlefield valor – died at his home south of St. Maries, Idaho, Tuesday. He was 90.
Baker died after a long battle with cancer, family members said.
“I loved him. For me, he was the hero in my life,” said Baker’s stepdaughter, Alexandra Pawlik. “I named my son after him.”
Baker will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, said family friend Lil Shanks, a spokeswoma