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In this installment
celebrating Black History Month, we honor the 7 African American
Medal of Honor recipients from WWII.
No African American soldier was awarded the Medal of Honor
during World War II. In 1993 the Army contracted Shaw University
in Raleigh, North Carolina, to research and prepare a study "to
determine if there was a racial disparity in the way Medal of
Honor recipients were selected." Shaw's team researched the
issue and, finding that there was disparity, recommended the
Army consider a group of 10 soldiers for the Medal of Honor. Of
those 10, seven were recommended to receive the award. In
October of 1996 Congress passed the necessary legislation which
allowed the President to award these Medals of Honor since the
statutory limit for presentation had expired.
The Medals of Honor were presented by the President in a
ceremony on January 13th, 1997. Vernon Baker was the only
recipient still living and present to receive his award; the
other six soldiers received their awards posthumously.
Here are their stories...
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| First
Lieutenant Vernon J. Baker |
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Vernon Joseph Baker was a
24-year-old second lieutenant at the time of the action for
which he was cited near Viareggio, Italy. Orphaned since he
was 4 years old, he had enlisted six months before the
United States entered World War II and was commissioned Jan.
11, 1943, through officer-candidate school.
In the 92nd Infantry Division, Baker was assigned to
Company C, 370th Infantry Regiment. He destroyed three
machine-gun positions and an observation post April 5, 1945,
and covered the evacuation of his unit's wounded.
The next day he led his battalion's advance through enemy
minefields and heavy fire as the division assaulted its
objective. |
Vernon Baker
Summary of Service: Enlisted, 26 June 1941;
Commissioned, 11 Jan 1943; Retired, August 1965 as a
First Sergeant. |
| Awards and
decorations: Medal of Honor (as of Sept. 23, 1996);
Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; American Defense
Service Medal; American Campaign Medal;
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World
War II Victory Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge; Croce Al
Valor Militaire (Foreign Decoration). |
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First Lieutenant Vernon
J. Baker
Medal of Honor Citation |
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For extraordinary heroism in action on 5
and 6 April 1945, near Viareggio, Italy. Then Second
Lieutenant Baker demonstrated outstanding courage and
leadership in destroying enemy installations, personnel and
equipment during his company's attack against a strongly
entrenched enemy in mountainous terrain. When his company
was stopped by the concentration of fire from several
machine gun emplacements, he crawled to one position and
destroyed it, killing three Germans. Continuing forward, he
attacked and enemy observation post and killed two
occupants. With the aid of one of his men, Lieutenant Baker
attacked two more machine gun nests, killing or wounding the
four enemy soldiers occupying these positions. He then
covered the evacuation of the wounded personnel of his
company by occupying an exposed position and drawing the
enemy's fire. On the following night Lieutenant Baker
voluntarily led a battalion advance through enemy mine
fields and heavy fire toward the division objective. Second
Lieutenant Baker's fighting spirit and daring leadership
were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest
traditions of the Armed Forces. |
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| Staff
Sergeant Edward A. Carter, Jr. |
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Edward Allen Carter Jr. earned
his Medal as a member of a unique type of organization --
the Seventh Army Infantry Company Number 1 (Provisional),
56th Armored Infantry Battalion, 12th Armored Division near
Speyer, Germany.
The provisional companies generally were established
during, and in the wake of, the Battle of the Bulge, which
took place during the winter of 1944-45. Black support and
combat-support soldiers, and some whites, were allowed to
volunteer for combat duty and were given training in
small-unit tactics. Formed into provisional units, they were
used to augment depleted divisions.
The father of two sons, Carter had entered the Army Sept.
26, 1941, and by March 23, 1945, was a 28-year-old infantry
staff sergeant. On that day, the tank on which he was riding
was hit by bazooka fire. Dismounted, Carter led three
soldiers across an open field. In the process, two of the
men were wounded and the other seriously wounded.
Carter continued alone and was wounded five times before
being forced to take cover.
Eight German soldiers tried to capture him, but he killed
six and captured the remaining two. These he used as a
shield from enemy fire as he re-crossed the field. His
prisoners provided valuable information on enemy-troop
disposition for his unit.
Carter left the Army in 1945 and died Jan. 30, 1963. |
Edward
Carter Jr.
Summary of Service: Entered, 26 September 1941;
Discharged, 30 September 1945. |
| Awards
and Decorations: Medal of Honor (as of 23 September
1996); Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; Army Good
Conduct Medal; American Defense Service Medal;
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World
War II Victory Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge. |
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Staff Sergeant Edward A.
Carter, Jr.
Medal of Honor Citation |
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For extraordinary heroism in action on 23
March 1945, near Speyer, Germany. When the tank on which he
was riding received heavy bazooka and small arms fire,
Sergeant Carter voluntarily attempted to lead a three-man
group across an open field. Within a short time, two of his
men were killed and the third seriously wounded. Continuing
on alone, he was wounded five times and finally forced to
take cover. As eight enemy riflemen attempted to capture
him, Sergeant Carter killed six of them and captured the
remaining two. He then crossed the field using as a shield
his two prisoners from which he obtained valuable
information concerning the disposition of enemy troops.
Staff Sergeant Carter's extraordinary heroism was an
inspiration to the officers and men of the Seventh Army
Infantry Company Number 1 (Provisional) and exemplify the
highest traditions of the Armed Forces. |
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| First
Lieutenant John R. Fox |
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JOHN ROBERT FOX was a first
lieutenant assigned to Cannon Company, 366th Infantry
Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division in Sommocolonia, Italy,
when he earned his Medal Dec. 26, 1944.
Enemy soldiers dressed as civilians had infiltrated the
town that elements of the regiment occupied the night
before. The Germans began a full-scale attack about 4 a.m.,
under an artillery barrage. Outnumbered, the infantry force
withdrew, but Fox and his observer party chose to remain on
the second floor of a house to direct friendly artillery
fire.
By 8 a.m. the attack had progressed to the point where he
called in fire near, then onto his own position -- demanding
it over the objections of the artillery unit. His body was
later found among those of about 100 German soldiers.
After the war, a monument was erected in the city to
honor eight Italians killed in the barrage, and one American
soldier -- Fox. |
John R.
Fox
Summary of Service: Entered, 28 February 1941; Killed in
Action, 26 December 1944; buried in Colebrook Cemetery
in Whitman, Massachusetts. |
| Awards
and Decorations: Medal of Honor (as of 23 September
1996); Bronze Star Medal (Posthumously); Purple Heart
(Posthumously); American Defense Service Medal;
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World
War II Victory Medal (Posthumously); Combat Infantryman
Badge. |
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First Lieutenant John R.
Fox
Medal of Honor Citation |
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For extraordinary heroism against an armed
enemy in the vicinity of Sommocolonia, Italy on 26 December
1944, while serving as a member of Cannon Company, 366th
Infantry Regiment, 92d Infantry Division. During the
preceding few weeks, Lieutenant Fox served with the 598th
Field Artillery Battalion as a forward observer. On
Christmas night, enemy soldiers gradually infiltrated the
town of Sommocolonia in civilian clothes, and by early
morning the town was largely in hostile hands. Commencing
with a heavy barrage of enemy artillery at 0400 hours on 26
December 1944, an organized attack by uniformed German units
began. Being greatly outnumbered, most of the United States
Infantry forces were forced to withdraw from the town, but
Lieutenant Fox and some other members of his observer party
voluntarily remained on the second floor of a house to
direct defensive artillery fire. At 0800 hours, Lieutenant
Fox reported that the Germans were in the streets and
attacking in strength. He then called for defensive
artillery fire to slow the enemy advance. As the Germans
continued to press the attack towards the area that
Lieutenant Fox occupied, he adjusted the artillery fire
closer to his position. Finally he was warned that the next
adjustment would bring the deadly artillery right on top of
his position. After acknowledging the danger, Lieutenant Fox
insisted that the last adjustment be fired as this was the
only way to defeat the attacking soldiers. Later, when a
counterattack retook the position from the Germans,
Lieutenant Fox's body was found with the bodies of
approximately 100 German soldiers. Lieutenant Fox's gallant
and courageous actions, at the supreme sacrifice of his own
life, contributed greatly to delaying the enemy advance
until other infantry and artillery units could reorganize to
repel the attack. His extraordinary valorous actions were in
keeping with the most cherished traditions of military
service, and reflect the utmost credit on him, his unit, and
the United States Army. |
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| Private First
Class Willy F. James, Jr. |
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WILLY F. JAMES JR., who
enlisted in the Army Sept. 11, 1942, was assigned to Company
G, 413th Infantry Division, 104th Infantry Division near
Lippoldsberg, Germany, at the time he earned the Medal. As
lead scout during a maneuver to secure a bridgehead, he was
pinned down for more than an hour by enemy machine-gun fire.
When he was able to return to his platoon, he used his
observations to help work out a new assault plan and
designated targets from memory in the new attack. He was
killed by machine-gun fire while going to the aid of his
fatally wounded platoon leader. |
Willy F.
James Jr.
Summary of Service: Enlisted, 11 September 1942; Killed
in Action, 8 April 1945; buried in American Battle
Monument Cemetery - Netherlands |
| Awards &
Decorations: Medal of Honor (as of 23 September 1996);
Bronze Star Medal (Posthumously); Purple Heart
(Posthumously); Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumously);
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World
War II Victory Medal Posthumously); Combat Infantry
Badge. |
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Private First Class
Willy F. James, Jr.
Medal of Honor Citation |
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For extraordinary heroism in action on 7
April 1945 near Lippoldsberg, Germany. As lead scout during
a maneuver to secure and expand a vital bridgehead, Private
First Class James was the first to draw enemy fire. He was
pinned down for over an hour, during which time he observed
enemy positions in detail. Returning to his platoon, he
assisted in working out a new plan of maneuver. He then led
a squad in the assault, accurately designating targets as he
advanced, until he was killed by enemy machine gun fire
while going to the aid of his fatally wounded platoon
leader. Private First Class James' fearless, self-assigned
actions, coupled with his diligent devotion to duty
exemplified the finest traditions of the Armed Forces. |
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| Staff
Sergeant Ruben Rivers |
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RUBEN RIVERS entered the Army
Jan. 15, 1942, and was a staff sergeant in Company A, 761st
Tank Battalion (Colored) Nov. 16, 1944, near Guebling,
France.
During an advance on the town that day, Rivers' tank hit
a mine, and the sergeant was wounded in the leg. Refusing
evacuation, Rivers directed his tank's fire on enemy
positions for three days.
On the fourth day, Nov. 19, Rivers joined Company A's
advance toward the town, but the unit was again stopped by
enemy fire. Rivers' tank, joined by another, covered the
company's withdrawal. During the battle, Rivers' tank was
hit. He was killed and his crewmen were wounded. |
Ruben
Rivers
Summary of Service: Entered, 15 January 1942; Killed in
Action, 19 November 1944; buried in the American Battle
Monument Cemetery - France. |
| Awards
and Decoration: Medal of Honor (as of 23 September
1996); Silver Star; Purple Heart (Posthumously); Army
Good Conduct Medal (Posthumously);
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World
War II Victory Medal (Posthumously); Presidential Unit
Citation. |
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Staff Sergeant Ruben
Rivers
Medal of Honor Citation |
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For extraordinary heroism in
action during the 15-19 November 1944, toward Guebling,
France. Though severely wounded in the leg, Sergeant Rivers
refused medical treatment and evacuation, took command of
another tank, and advanced with his company in Guebling the
next day. Repeatedly refusing evacuation, Sergeant Rivers
continued to direct his tank's fire at enemy positions
through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn, Company
A's tanks began to advance towards Bougaktroff, but were
stopped by enemy fire. Sergeant Rivers, joined by another
tank, opened fire on the enemy tanks, covering company A as
they withdrew. While doing so, Sergeant River's tank was
hit, killing him and wounding the crew. Staff Sergeant
Rivers' fighting spirit and daring leadership were an
inspiration to his unit and exemplify the highest traditions
of military service. |
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| Captain
Charles L. Thomas |
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CHARLES LEROY THOMAS (photo not
available) was a first lieutenant in Company C, 614th Tank
Destroyer Battalion (Towed), 103rd Infantry Division, when
he was cited for leading a task force storming Climbach,
France, Dec. 14, 1944. Thomas' armored scout car was knocked
out by enemy fire and he was wounded.
The lieutenant helped his crew out of the vehicle, but as
he left the car's protection, he was again wounded in the
chest, legs and left arm. Despite his wounds, Thomas
directed the dispersal and emplacement of two antitank guns,
which then returned fire.
He briefed one of his platoon leaders, a junior
lieutenant, on the general situation, and only when he was
sure the situation was under control did he allow himself to
be evacuated. He left service as a major in 1947. |
Charles
Thomas
Summary of Service: Inducted, 20 Jan 1942; Commissioned,
11 March 1943; Discharged, 10 Aug 1947 |
| Awards
and Decorations: Medal of Honor (as of 23 September
1996); Purple Heart; European-African-Middle Eastern
Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal. |
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Captain Charles L.
Thomas
Medal of Honor Citation |
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For extraordinary heroism in action on 14
December 1944, near Climbach, France. While riding in the
lead vehicle of a task force organized to storm and capture
the village of Climbach, France, then First Lieutenant
Thomas's armored scout car was subjected to intense enemy
artillery, self-propelled gun, and small arms fire. Although
wounded by the initial burst of hostile fire, Lieutenant
Thomas signaled the remainder of the column to halt and,
despite the severity of his wounds, assisted the crew of the
wrecked car in dismounting. Upon leaving the scant
protection which the vehicle afforded, Lieutenant Thomas was
again subjected to a hail of enemy fire which inflicted
multiple gunshot wounds in his chest, legs, and left arm.
Despite the intense pain caused by these wounds, Lieutenant
Thomas ordered and directed the dispersion and emplacement
of two antitank guns which in a few moments were promptly
and effectively returning the enemy fire. Realizing that he
could no longer remain in command of the platoon, he
signaled to the platoon commander to join him. Lieutenant
Thomas then thoroughly oriented him on enemy gun
dispositions and the general situation. Only after he was
certain that his junior officer was in full control of the
situation did he permit himself to be evacuated. First
Lieutenant Thomas' outstanding heroism were an inspiration
to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed
Forces. |
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| Private
George Watson |
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GEORGE WATSON (photo not
available), the only one of the seven to earn his medal
while serving in the Pacific Theater.
He had entered the Army Sept. 1, 1942, and was a member
of the 2nd Battalion, 29th Quartermaster Regiment. He was a
passenger aboard the Dutch steamer (USAT) Jacob March 8,
1943, which was near Porloch Harbor, New Guinea, when the
ship was hit by Japanese bombers.
When the ship was abandoned, Watson remained in the water
and, instead of trying to save himself, assisted soldiers
who could not swim into life rafts.
Weakened by his exertions, he was dragged down by the
suction of the sinking ship and drowned.
His body was never recovered, but a field was named in
his honor at Fort Benning, Ga. |
George
Watson
Summary of Service: Entered, 1 September 1942; Killed in
Action, 8 March 1943. |
| Awards
and Decorations: Medal of Honor (as of 23 September
1996); Purple Heart; Army Good Conduct Medal;
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory
Medal. |
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Private George Watson
Medal of Honor Citation |
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For extraordinary heroism in action on 8
March 1943. Private Watson was on board a ship which was
attacked and hit by enemy bombers. When the ship was
abandoned, Private Watson, instead of seeking to save
himself, remained in the water assisting several soldiers
who could not swim to reach the safety of the raft. This
heroic action, which subsequently cost him his life,
resulted in the saving of several of his comrades. Weakened
by his exertions, he was dragged down by the suction of the
sinking ship and was drowned. Private Watson's
extraordinarily valorous actions, daring leadership, and
self-sacrificing devotion to his fellow-man exemplify the
finest traditions of military service. |
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