Why did Vernon J. Baker have to wait until 1997 to receive the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War II?

A. Documents uncovering the importance of his deeds weren't discovered until then.

B. The award was originally given to another soldier before Baker stepped forward.

C. Baker did not return to the country to receive his award until long after the war.

D. Racial discrimination prevented him from being honored at the time.

The correct answer is D) Racial discrimination prevented him from being honored at the time.

Vernon J. Baker have to wait until 1997 to receive the Medal of Honour for his actions during WWII because racial discrimination prevented him from being honored at the time.

Vernon J. Baker (1919-2010) was a veteran of WWII war, very respected man and highly decorated. But he could not receive the Medal of Honour after WWII. Time went by, but in 1993, an Army Commission study found that racial discrimination existed after WWII, and that was a reason for not awarding Baker with the Medal of Honour.

Finally, on January 13, 1997, Vernon J. Baker was awarded the Medal of Honour of the Congress for his courageous actions in Castle Aghinolfi.

Vernon J baker had to wait until 1997 to receive the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War 2:

D. Racial discrimination prevented him from being honored at the time.