The Honorable Vernon J. Baker enlisted 26 June 1941 and was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class 148-43, 11 January 1943. His first duty assignment was as Platoon Leader, Company C, 370th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division. | Medal of Honor Citation: For extraordinary heroism on April 5th and 6th 1945 near Viareggio, Italy. When the concentrated fire from several machine gun emplacements stopped his company, he killed nine Germans, destroyed four machine gun posts, occupied an exposed position and drew enemy fire allowing his company personnel to evacuate. On the following night Lieutenant Baker voluntarily led a battalion through an enemy mine field and heavy fire. | He retired as First Sergeant in August of 1968.