The Idaho National Guard has named its newest barracks for Vernon Baker. Author: KTVB Staff Updated: 5:37 PM MDT July 20, 2021
BOISE, Idaho Idaho World War II veteran Vernon Baker received a special honor Tuesday at Gowen Field.
The Idaho National Guard dedicated its newest barracks after the Idaho native to help celebrate his legacy.
Baker, who moved to St. Maries upon retirement, died there in 2010 at the age of 90. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Baker was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1997 by President Bill Clinton, 52 years after he led a successful attack that helped the Allies drive German forces out of northern Italy. His role was largely overlooked because of his race. At the time of his service, the U.S. Army had been segregated.
soldier and i had a job to do. how could he be laid to rest without his wife present for the military honors. i can keep it together more on the outside but on the inside, i m just so sad. reporter: it s been almost one month since heidy baker lost her husband of 17 years. i have been for days now all by myself and i haven t spoken to no one. reporter: after long bouts of brain cancer, sensing he was slipping away, vernon baker cracked jokes, remained positive and spoke his final words. he hugged me and told me he loves me. reporter: baker was 90. nine days ago hundreds of people went to his memorial service, and heidy was presented the flag the same day it draped over vernon s body the date he left home. that was the hardest of the whole service. that was a bad moment. reporter: september 24th, the medal of honor s recipients body