National media announced the death of Vernon L. Baker on July 15, 2010.  President Bill Clinton had presented the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest award for battlefield valor, to Baker in 1997.  He was one of just seven black soldiers to receive it and the only living recipient. 

      Baker was born in Wyoming in 1919.  He was orphaned at a young age and spent some time at Boy's Town.  He later attended classes here and graduated in 1939 from Clarinda High School.

     He called his 1997 memoir "Lasting Valor".  A copy of his biography and several videos featuring him can be reviewed at our Museum.