Clarinda in Page County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Vernon J. Baker

First Lieutenant, Infantry, US Army Company C

— 370th Regiment, 92nd Inf Division —

Vernon J. Baker Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 1, 2015

1. Vernon J. Baker Marker

Inscription.

One of 7 African-Americans to receive the
Medal of Honor for WWII
Awarded January 13, 1997
Clarinda High School Graduate 1939

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty in action on April 5 and 6 1945 near Viareggio, Italy. Baker’s fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Vernon J. Baker fought in Italy, earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the Distinguished Service Cross.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients, the Medal of Honor Recipients, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart series lists.

Location. 40° 44.303′ N, 95° 2.248′ W. Marker is in Clarinda, Iowa, in Page County. Memorial is at the intersection of Main Street and 16th Street / Glenn Miller Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Main Street. Marker is near the SW corner of the county courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 112 East Main Street, Clarinda IA 51632, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. Sister Cities (here, next to this marker); Civil War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Page County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Carnegie Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); First School House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Original Clarinda High School (approx. 0.2 miles away); W. T. S. White House & Carriage House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clarinda.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. Congressional Medal of Honor Society. (Submitted on August 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Vernon Baker Interview on YouTube. (Submitted on August 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 1, 2015

2. Vernon J. Baker Marker

Page County Courthouse in background

Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.