Read Lasting Valor The Story of the Only Living Black World War II Veteran to Earn America Highest Distinction for Valor the Medal of Honor Vernon J Baker Ken Olsen 9780553580624 Books

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Lasting Valor tells of some of the most dramatic acts of courage attempted in the entire Mediterranean theater during WWII–acts that resulted in Baker’s being awarded the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and Distinguished Service Cross. On April 15, 1945, as part of one of the last segregated outfits to go to war for the United States, Lieutenant Baker knew he and his men were being deserted when, during the battle for Castle Aghinolfo in Northern Italy, his white commander told him he was going for reinforcements. Caught three miles behind enemy lines, and with half their comrades in arms dead, they refused to turn and run. Although he was decorated for his efforts, the army quietly surpressed this action until 1997, when Baker was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton.

Lasting Valor also reveals Baker’s early life. An orphan raised by grandparents in nearly all-white Cheyenne, Wyoming, he survived a rocky adolescence and went on to live in Father Flanagan’s Home, and then to fight to join a segregated army. His years in the army are recounted, and give us a rare glimpse into the life of a World War II black infantryman. It is a powerful book; as The Washington Post praised “Whites should read this book to learn of Baker's accomplishments against a background of severe prejudice. Blacks should read it for the heroism it reveals. Everybody should read it for the power of its narrative."

Read Lasting Valor The Story of the Only Living Black World War II Veteran to Earn America Highest Distinction for Valor the Medal of Honor Vernon J Baker Ken Olsen 9780553580624 Books

"An important story vividly told."

Product details Mass Market Paperback 336 pages Publisher Bantam (February 2, 1999) Language English ISBN-10 0553580620

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Lasting Valor The Story of the Only Living Black World War II Veteran to Earn America Highest Distinction for Valor the Medal of Honor Vernon J Baker Ken Olsen 9780553580624 Books Reviews :

Lasting Valor The Story of the Only Living Black World War II Veteran to Earn America Highest Distinction for Valor the Medal of Honor Vernon J Baker Ken Olsen 9780553580624 Books Reviews

• I had the great privilege of knowing Vern Baker in his later years. He autographed the copy I received for Christmas the year I was 9 years old. It remains one of my most treasured possessions. I would echo the other reviewers who describe Vern's story as well told, gripping, captivating. The themes of war, race, poverty, and valor make for the sort of reading that can change a person, if you let it. Vern told me 15 years ago to go ahead and read this book then, but to read it again when I was older and could understand more. I think it's time to pick it up again.
• Co-written and about another of our local residents and one that brought out a lot of information I was not aware of.
• I read it for the first time from an original printing. The photographs in the original printing were clear. The photographs in this edition that I purchased were not clear plus, I noticed, that it was a larger book from the first edition/printing??? The story is well written.
• Amazing personal story of one of America's great WWII heroes.
• I bought this book as a gift for my husband who was very pleased. He had seen the author in a TV documentary and had been interested in the book. I will probably read it too!
• He is an amazing and wonderful man. He lives not far from where I grew up. He spoke at our son's high school graduation. It is a great book and he is a great man.
• Vernon Baker is a personal friend. He is the kindest and dearest man I know. I wanted to share his story with a friend. I have a signed copy. Thanks.
• An important story vividly told.