How 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.

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

Options:

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

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

Explanation: Medals of Honor were not awarded to Black American soldiers in either of the World Wars during the late 1980s, and this initiated a review & investigation of Distinguished Service Cross awards to see if any brave Black American soldiers had been denied the Medal of Honor due to prejudice. On January 13th, 1997, the DSC awarded seven Black veterans of World War II but Vernon Baker was the only vetran of these seven heroes still alive so he was the only one to personally receive the award from Bill Clinton, president during this time.

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.