Once-secret military document sheds light on why Black soldiers in WWII were denied honors

Vernon Baker was a Black U.S. Army soldier who heroically helped capture a German-held castle. But he was denied full recognition for his bravery until decades later. A once-secret Army document sheds light on why Black soldiers were mistreated in the military. Part of David's Ono continuing FACEism series. abc7.com/faceism-racism-world...

[@MaoriMan76]

It must be hard to fight for a country that has nothing but hate towards you, and who treated German POWs better. Disgusting racist behavior from those in command.

[@chumps7974]

Talk about! Wouldn't someone that did that be considered the ultimate patriot

[@errickflesch5565]

Nobody made them fight. Those black men volunteered. So it wasn't hard for them to fight. Plenty of people in the US were not racist and the majority were not. It was the Democratic party that had Jim Crow laws. White men also volunteered or were drafted. The drafted did not have a choice. Look at the bright side, plenty of black people didn't have to die in WW2. because of segregation. So maybe Jim Crow was a blessing in disguise for the black American man and their fathers and mothers that didn't have to mourn their sons death. The black men that did fight, most of them were very patriotic and also wanted to prove themselves as capable and as good as any.

[@effemesseyeveethefourth2841]

Exactly. My grandfather did the same thing.

[@martinissa1931]

So saddening seeing him drenched in tears, remembering his buddies, who didn’t make it back! Fighting others peoples wars and not being appropriated only to come back and go to the back of the bus!

[@davidshears1449]

And they have the nerve to call Blacks inferior.

[@MoonLightOnWater1]

The systemic racism in this country is sickening, but the denial that it even exists is sicker.

[@Marcus-kc9wc]

Unfortunately many love to deny the fact that they stabbed us in the back as they continue to twist the knife.

[@anthony81860]

Bingo!

[@maureenbuck4795]

The Democrat racism will never die apparently. The planned parenthood plan to kill black babies, and Clinton two faced, gives the award while simultaneously calling old KKK democrats amazing individuals. 😢

[@jessika3288]

This!

[@wastelandleeman9431]

100 % agree.They deny it because they dont want it to change they want things to stay the same.

[@priscilla8068]

I'm not American but this breaks my heart. Imagine fighting for a country that refuses to acknowledge your humanity😢

[@blackerdenblack1]

We have faught in every war in America and there behalf we are the most patriotic ppl on the planet

[@pboissie]

@@blackerdenblack1 and we have a Republican clown in Desantis running for president, who was an expert at collecting urine samples during his military service, banning books that would even cover such horrific injustices of men like this who fought bravely. You got rough face Nikki Haley with the nerve of saying US was never a racist country too.

[@babagalacticus]

with all due respect i think you're missing the ESSENTIAL point here; imagine fighting a PROFOUNDLY evil regime that takes INSPIRATION from the country that sends you to fight them. it took me a number of years before i understood the core message of phillip k. dick's "THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE" because i read it as a youngster when ACTUAL amerikkkan history was just a tissue of lies, distortions, exaggerations & EVIL hiding in plain sight. i knew it was a riddle but i couldn't figure it out. this is why nikki haley turns my stomach every time i hear the mendacious nonsense that comes out of her mollusk mouth. but then, she was educated in the south & she's INTENSELY ambitious & calculating; a true political HACK who knows she has to coddle & pamper her audience in her desperate, pathetic attempts to not only assimilate but game the system IN FULL.

[@jagbrit3723]

Like I say, the fortitude, tolerance, and ability to forgive by African Americans is book worthy. From afar, we've all misjudged them due to supremacy doctrines. But when you study even a fraction of their history, I can't think of a faction of people that have been more harshly persecuted, over a longer period of time. Still, they love their country, and some literally call it the greatest nation. It's like they have accepted their fate as normal. It's tragic.

[@kitty-vk8ic]

The hypocrisy of America on that era is disgusting.

[@plantbased5673]

I'll bet a teacher would be fired for teaching this in a Florida public school.

[@johnshaw4137]

Oh stop it. The bill was to keep sexual mutilation books out the library and being taught. Also the trans says they would have

[@RStevenPage]

They fought for people who didnt deserve it. This stuff makes my blood boil.

[@esbuenodun]

They fought for America. They knew this was a chance to be great and do great things. Change the narrative. Surviving that horror only to come home to the same racism and bigotry was a kick to the crotch.

[@chumps7974]

They fought for freedoms they weren't afforded

[@flossyraven]

And then many came back home to be lynched just because certain people did not like to see these black men in uniform.

[@michelej9496]

"Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm." Proverbs 3:30 KJV

[@rico5393]

​@@michelej9496take your bible scriptures and cram em up your ass

[@peteb8556]

Jesse Owens said he was treated better in the Nazi Germany, 1936 Olympics, than he was treated by the USA when he came back. Mentioned in Owens biography.

[@EmbracetheStoryteller]

Joe Lewis said the same thing

[@viciouzpantha]

Many blacks were thats why they were living there during that time

[@carltonbanks5470]

Muhammad Ali threw his medal into a river after he wasn't allowed front entry to a restaurant in kentucky. There is no comparison to the black american experience in America.

[@amehka5416]

​@@carltonbanks5470So much truth to that.

[@creolelady4096]

My Lord, My Lord Shaking my head. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@CatEyedGoddess]

This needs to be taught in schools. This is so powerful and emotional.

[@tonisumblin2719]

I lived in Italy for many years. I’ve seen this castle. They study this their schools. I return to Italy often. I lived in a small town, learned the language, and enjoyed talking to older people who told me horrifying accounts of Nazi occupation. They often spoke about black soldiers and how kind they were to the people in the villages. They were also very surprised and angry about the way white Soldiers treated the black ones. In Germany, I learned about a battalion of black soldiers who freed a concentration camp. I’ll never forget how they described a particular soldier. He was a giant. Extremely tall, muscular, and when he approached a stack of dead children’s bodies, he fell to his knees and cried. I cried listening. I cannot imagine the depths of depravity. And that includes the way these brave Black soldiers were treated. America forgot Dorry Miller and it pisses me off. He was a cook in the navy. He single handedly shot down Japanese fighter planes at Pearl Harbor. He saved us. And for years, his stepson fought to have him buried at Arlington cemetery, where even in death, a black soldier was barred from resting in peace. For serving a country, who viewed him as inferior.

[@jagbrit3723]

Caucasian Americans cannot stand these stories. In their purposely truncated memories, they did not happen. Racism disappeared in smoke, after 400+ years of practice. And they have the gall to argue it magically doesn't exist, against those that experience it. It's all so comically obtuse.

[@Seadog-6411]

Well hopefully,they got a carrier coming out,for his name.I was in the navy too,lived in lamaddelena,italy,for 2yrs,loved it! Being a man of color in the navy,you have good days and bad days,u meet people,for some reason i became a phenom for submarines,turned down personal awards,and higher rank,b/c a former sailor told me in 1984,"you got to earn it" in 2001,watching the movie"Men of Honor" that man was BMCM Brashear!

[@KOMET2006]

Dorie Miller lost his life in December 1943 when the aircraft carrier on which he was serving was sunk by a Japanese submarine.

[@tonisumblin2719]

@@KOMET2006 in Makin Island. He shot down four Japanese planes and rescued other sailers before he shot down those planes. Although he was presumed dead, his body was never recovered. He received honors after he died. He was 27 years old.

[@KOMET2006]

@tonisumblin2719 - The name of the carrier on which Miller served was the Liscombe Bay. He was credited with shooting down 4 Japanese planes at Pearl Harbor, for which he was awarded the Navy Cross in May 1942 from Admiral Chester Nimitz himself, the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet.

[@SeanPat1001]

This bothered my father profoundly. He fought in the European theater in World War II and also fought in the Korean conflict. More than once he told me how he saw people of color exhibit exceptional bravery in the face of the enemy but not get the same recognition as a white person who would do the same thing. He once asked an officer about this and the officer told him that such an honor would do a person of color no good but a white person could use it to start a political career. After 32 years of service in the Army, my father finally retired. One of the first things he did after retiring was to burn all his medals.

[@johnmurphy9688]

Thanks for your father's service. ❤️👍👍🙏

[@derrickpatrick1206]

Thanks for your Father's service.

[@lovesyah4618]

@SeanPatt1001, Thanks for sharing that.

[@dougfredricks2017]

Most politicIans are criminals... 😊

[@normanhenderson7300]

Fighting the white man's war is not beneficial.

[@MxGrr]

And people still get upset when “institutional racism” is mentioned in the context of otherwise hollowed history. This is important to know, teach and remediate.

[@eugenebrewster8227]

Bro, they are not upset. It's called Gaslighting. This is done when a person has guilty feelings about sumthin, but instead of owning up to it, they flip it back on the aggrieved by attacking the subject.

[@derrickburwell7777]

​@@eugenebrewster8227This! 👍🏾

[@RuizCaz]

@@eugenebrewster8227but they don’t feel guilt or empathy. They enjoy hurting you by gaslighting. Power play.

[@Keeki549]

You can’t get gaslit if you don’t give af about what they say

[@JaiK64]

​@@Keeki549that is not how gaslighting works 😅

[@sequillawilliams8809]

I'm a soldier 12yrs and counting in deep red Louisiana this is not just history it's a part of our current battle in service to this day

[@PrincessSharifa434]

☹️☹️☹️ Thank you for your service, Sequilla.

[@mgardner70]

I’m truly sorry. ❤

[@michaeldarden-oc6wo]

Why would you risk your life for this country no disrespect intended

[@rook360]

​@michaeldarden-oc6wo Because this is my country. I was born here, and it's my home, and no one can tell me otherwise. Some things you can't change things from the outside. It may sound corny but it's true.

[@JackMeoff46]

How you been stationed in the same place for 12 years?

[@yf9409]

I’m Nigerian and in tears 😭 watching this. What a great man

[@Cng215]

As Black Americans we shouldn't fight for a country that refuses to fight for us...

[@MrGarfield900]

Iv said this for years. We need to FIRST respect each other. Then fight for us and then fight anybody that is willing to fight for us. They asian community has been mutual for the most part. Looking at history they never did the things whites did to our ancestors. I would gladly fight for them then this piece of trash

[@jimallen8238]

Sorry, that’s an ignorant statement. As a black American, this is the country of my birth and I will both fight for it and seek to improve it. The two are not mutually exclusive. What you posted was unpatriotic dribble. My father, uncles, cousins, my brother and I all wore the uniform and I am proud of it.

[@hoodoodaughter...sussexsta7365]

​@@jimallen8238🙄

[@kRashad899]

​@@jimallen8238 Bot

[@relatablerealness973]

@@jimallen8238and you’ll continue to suffer the consequences of being stupid! Our people are suffering bcse of this thinking you have! That’s why i feel we’ll never free us mentally or from indoctrination bcse of chosen ignorance! Smh

[@GirlfriendNinja]

Damn….My uncle was a Red Tail in WWII. When he and my aunt, who was a WAC, came back to the US, they were denied housing. He went on to become a physician and teach medicine at Meharry Medical College. He said he was treated better in France and Italy than he had ever been in the US. I think about his returning to this country, still segregated, facing Jim Crow, all manner of discrimination… He accomplished a great deal despite circumstances. Imagine what he could have done with no barriers and impediments. I had never heard of this heroic man. How many stories remain unknown and untold?

[@user-cs1mc4vg7q]

That’s why the impediments are there, to keep us from progressing.

[@89five3five]

I salute your uncle. If he is still among us, please thank him for his service.

[@dr.robertbennett3452]

Too many to count 😢😢😢

[@flossyraven]

Why would he return back to the states? If I ever get the chance to live overseas I'm never coming back to this demonic nation.

[@Greene-li9oc]

My Grandfather was a Red Tail as well and my great grandfather was 10th Cavalry in WWI. Great men held back by a culture of evil.

[@PrincessSharifa434]

I hope this reporter received an Emmy for this incredible investigative report!

[@NettePaker]

As a current service member, I feel the same way in a sense. With everything that is going on with police brutality against black men... I serve to protect my nation, but if the time came, I would not be able to protect the black men in my family from police brutality.

[@marcusjustice6165]

Soul Sister continued to be safe during your active duty enlistment and get your Honorable Discharge.

[@BIGHURTification]

I'm a retired Marine and I served in Iraq and Afghanistan. I retired 8 years ago and I can tell you with certainty that this practice is still followed today. I know many stellar black servicemembers that were not recognized for their bravery or performance. While white incompetent servicemembers that provided zero value to our units or the country we're given high awards and promoted. Once you get to a certain point in your career you wonder how our military functions properly and just go through the motions because going above and beyond won't get you anything. It's many high ranking whites helping idiots while trying to keep blacks back. I never understood this because the idiots always got someone hurt or killed. If this was fixed our military would be awesome. People working together no matter the color works that racism is the reason our military has never won a war and is weak. Propaganda will tell you our military is the strongest.

[@robertpendergrass7996]

Obviously much hasn't changed since my Marine Corps day. Same BS when I was there late 70s .

[@seanyoung9014]

Never been in the military due to health issues but many of my family have including my father and uncles. I do work in the federal government and if the military is anything like the rest of it, casual, almost unconscious racism is very prevalent and networking is more important than anything else. We black people usually aren't part of any relevant network to advance without doing twice as well as our white counterparts. It's sad that this situation persists and some people still choose to believe that we were handed all of our accomplishments via some sort of affirmative action or tokenism.

[@federal6616]

Bro I'm with you. So in Iraq, the major asks me "how do you act like you dont know whats going on...when you really do?" "Is this on purpose?" I was a 1st Lt. I was so cool that he couldn't understand how brothers move in real life. I was sent in with 1 E6 a brother and 3 sisters- E5,E4,E3 to a n infantry battalion. We did all their drug testing, administration, communications and public affairs. They couldn't believe how smooth it was. All they wanted to do was shoot. All my crew got Bronze stars or MSMs. But we couldn't be denied. Went back to home station and got blackballed as normal. My commo troop got to become secretary to the 2Star as an E4. But It's a dirty game overall. Still!

[@MM-fl6vn]

I remember having a heated discussion with folks online about how the military has its own data regarding racism in the ranks. Everyone was in denial...Everyone is full of shit.

[@sharoncox3734]

Beautifully said, and thank you for your service.

[@gregoryburton1241]

My mom had 5 brothers, who all served in the military, from the 40’s to the 60’s. Not one of them had anything good to say about serving. The most repeated thing they shared was, that the racism in the military was worst than in civilian life. The kicker was, when the GI bill came about, they were denied the benefits of it. They all received Honor Guard’s 21 gun salutes at their funerals. But somehow, I know they still felt slighted by the country they served. RIP Uncles: Robert, Royal, Harold, James, and Thomas.

[@incognitonegress3453]

N yet...the just kept enlisting. Nonsensical lunacy

[@illitrait]

@@incognitonegress3453 ...it is truly baffling. What a country.

[@user-mv7kh5sv9z]

@@incognitonegress3453 for "benefits"

[@derrikoates2318]

THe GI Bill has been credited as the single most important thing to change generational wealth for a large swathe of american families. and african americans weren't included.

[@derrikoates2318]

@@incognitonegress3453 If only it were that simple. You still have to factor in other so many other variables.

[@CaliGirlJade]

This place is so tacky and embarrassing sometimes. It’s crazy the Black soldiers were literally treated better in the European countries they were staying in, than in their own home nation.

[@vrotties]

My father. WW11, Korean and Vietnam War Vet. Saw combat battle in each war. He never talked about what happened to him. But I do remember him and his brothers saying how they were treated way better over there than here. He took advantage of what was offered to him though. Even though it was no way near what his white counterparts recieved. Daddy still managed to send money home to send his 9 sisters to college and take care of a wife and kids. Put me and my brothers thru college also. My father was the type that didn't let thing hold him down. He made do with the hand he was dealt. Hurts my heart still to know how much he had to go thru. Thats why I'm so grateful for where I am now and my need to let the future generations know of the sacrifices of the past generations.

[@buffalosoldier7360]

Vernon Baker wasn’t the only one moved to tears…

[@aaronblaylock2092]

My uncle served in the same unit as Mr. Baker and the actual story of the raid on castle Angenolfi was they had the Germans pinned back and Backer called in for artillery support but the white officer, a southerner refused and allowed the enemy to regroup and cost the lives of so many men. They had to overcome the enemy on both sides and take that castle, which they did. I hope a movie is made about Baker and the other men in that battle. The officer in charge should have been court marshaled in my opinion.

[@Iknowknow112]

Oh, you can’t make a movie about anything that reveals the truth about the USA! That might make little white boys and girls feel bad😢.

[@douglasjones2570]

Yes. That white officer should still be in Leavenworth!

[@principalitycidade4323]

Yo isnt that bs the white southerner pulled technically high treason due to the fact that he assisted the enemy regroup? Aint that some bs

[@AhJodie]

You should write about it or contact someone to get your uncles words too! That is important information! Love to your uncle and to Vernon, and to us all!

[@dublifetv3862]

Do you know what's funny about it all is that Ukraine is were all the nazi went after the war and now all our money is being given to them by biden. 🤣

[@justus3321]

Sorry for being 11 months late but GREAT STORY! Thank you for taking the time to share history 🙏🏽

[@sitig.2334]

My Grandparents served this country during WWII. It breaks my heart that they sacrificed so much for a country that chose not to recognize their humanity.

[@realcoachescorner3503]

This IS NOT in the past! CURRENT RACISM IN MILITARY IS PRESENT AND VERY REAL AND ALIVE!!!

[@7sevyn7_]

💯

[@daharris41]

Facts

[@obsidian4844]

Pretty much everywhere too.

[@jamesa77522]

So true

[@power966]

Fort Hood now Fort Cavos is the most racist duty station in the USA.

[@internetboogeyman2744]

Foundational Black Americans literally built America for FREE, fought in every single war and fought for rights for everyone to enjoy in America only to be denied !!!

[@eugenebrewster8227]

B1

[@FatherAirBorne7]

Got to stop calling ourselves black if we really want that check

[@BearingMySeoul]

And the number of Native Americans who helped during WWII and used their tribal languages so that the Europeans couldn't understand... It's a damn crying shame. God will judge!

[@JSAC_]

​@@FatherAirBorne7you're right about that

[@zroy9263]

That FBA association reminds me of that self-hating and divisive Sambo named Tariq Nasheed! I hope that you're not one of his followers!

[@AdrianWheeler-xm9ml]

denial is a symptom of guilt

[@chaplaintaylor2327]

Thank you Mr. Vernon Baker, You are blessed and a blessing in such a time like this! You should have always been acknowledged for greatness!

[@solblackguy]

The sad part is I know this is only the tip of the iceberg. The truth always comes out in the end at least. Let's just hope the next generations learn from the previous one's mistakes.

[@effemesseyeveethefourth2841]

Well said

[@Maintainingabadtrip]

Christian nationalists are working hard to ensure the next generations are more ignorant, not less. Right wing Libertarians can’t control an enlightened society.

[@willia3r]

Maybe, but what I tend to find is that people don’t usually change on morality’s own merits because it’s the right thing to do. They change because something is happening in the political environment that is forcing the necessity of the change.

[@kubbykush9401]

​@@willia3rfacts.

[@Maintainingabadtrip]

@@willia3r Courageous groups and honorable politicians change politics and law. We see this from the Civil War, through women’s rights, civil rights, the voting rights act and support and inclusion of lgbtq, today. The policies and groups rightwingers and fundamentalist religious groups are groomed to be intolerant of and hateful towards.

[@Impex7]

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THERE ARE DOZENS, MAYBE MORE, LIKE MR. BAKER. BUT, BECAUSE OF IGNORANCE, JEALOUSY AND BLIND HATRED, THEY WILL NEVER BE RECOGNIZED. WELL DESERVED MR.BAKER, WELL DESERVED.........

[@charlesstevensEnki]

I know.

[@nob.s.top5comparablesb370]

Bingo!. You nailed it. But my question is has America taken any lessons from those horrible and disgusting past mistakes? 🤔 ( I won't hold my breath for too long on that one)

[@mcfrisko834]

@@nob.s.top5comparablesb370😂 Of course not! It wouldn't be America if it did

[@rgw1380rw]

Some of them are still fighting for their benefits.

[@Impex7]

@@rgw1380rw MY BROTHER PASSED AWAY TWO YEARS AFTER HE STARTED TO GET 100 PERCENT BENEFITS. HE TRIED FOR OVER 30 YEARS, HE WAS ONLY 55. 🤬

[@tia4057]

My grandfather was a Red Tail, and he wouldn't let my dad join the Marines. He went through enough that he refused to let his son go through the same.

[@mariejane1567]

Wow very proud of grandpa ❤

[@whereistheaccountability7353]

Retired after 23 years of military service. Several combat tours as a Combat Infantryman. The same mentality existed when I retired in 2007 and probably still exists today.

[@creolelady4096]

My father was a Navy World War 2 veteran. And some of the stories that he told how the Black soldiers were treated it made me weep. He said they treated the German POW's better than they did the Black soliders. I worked 40 years at the VA Medical Center now retired. I salute and thank you all for your sacrifice and diligent service to this country. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Chazcott]

I’m in training to work for VBO! I’m a little nervous about what I will encounter when I begin to process claims. These stories often get me teary eyed. But I’m glad to continue on to help and serve

[@bernardtaylor1281]

Weeping does nothing to change the problems you help continue🙄

[@MrHello-nx4xs]

@@ChazcottMaybe you can help me out. I’m trying to receive benefits and really with the VBO I worked with, I’m not making any progress. It’s very sad and frustrating.

[@tabkaliO]

My grandfather fought in WWII. He didn’t talk about it often but when he did there was both anger and hurt. So many Black soldiers thought and were told that if they fought we would finally get Civil Rights. He also was angry that he was denied access to the benefits white soldiers received such as the GI Bill, etc. Also, Black soldiers were warned not wear their uniforms when they returned because white mobs would target them for lynching. At the Holocaust Museum in St. Pete Florida, there are exhibits showing how before Hitler decided on the Final Solution, Germans were conferring with White US government officials. The German government studied Jim Crow and used those tools of discrimination acne fear to target Jews. They actually traveled to the Jim Crow South. German and US scientist and eugenicists also ecchanged information about their respective “problems.” One of the reasons lynchings took a drastic dip in the lead up to the US entering the war was because when the US would critique how the Nazis were treating the Jews, they’d come back with how the US government treating Black people.

[@kansaspeach7727]

Such hypocrisy! My Grandfather earned medals 🏅 in WWII. My Grandmother did a wonderful thing. With the war bonds sent from Grandpa Julian, she had a home built and land. They never had a mortgage. ❤🙏🏽 The war was good for something. I grew up there. She passed away @92 in that home. ❤

[@keith6706]

The writers of the Nuremberg Race Laws specifically looked at the US as a model of how to legally discriminate against parts of its population. The anti-miscegenation laws were practically lifted wholesale, and Nazi lawyers studied American court judgments when it came to defining people. If anything, the Nazis were less strict: the US had the "one drop" rule in determining who was black, whereas the Nazis only legally classified someone as Jewish (regardless of their actual religious/cultural; beliefs) if they had more than two Jewish grandparents.

[@AKu-xs5vg]

Just another gift from the lovely people of Europe over these last 5 centuries

[@neomoneri6140]

The Russians did the same thing. When the US would criticize Russia, Russia would simply retort: "And you lynch your negroes."

[@shelleyjennings4344]

Yes everything you wrote is true, but did you know that the Nazis actually declined to enact some of the racist treatment they saw in the U.S.? They thought some policies were too extreme. This is 100 percent true. Look it up.

[@scottphipps2278]

Thank you for your Bravery and Medal of Honor service brother

[@ThrifterPickerShipper]

This brought many tears. God bless you, Vernon Baker.

[@Wifeysmitty]

This goes to show you the level of dignity and integrity black men carry. To have fought with such honor and not received recognition and still move on, I don’t know if I could have lived with that. I appreciate my black brothers ❤️

[@nylotus]

This is also a bad thing. It's why we're treated how we're treated because so many have just accepted it and moved on.

[@theunusuallife2456]

We are the original. We been the best

[@adrian-gr8hg]

So do I.

[@wraith31]

Kissing boots is dignified

[@theunusuallife2456]

@@wraith31 I mean what else can you do cuz by the time you were done fighting with them you'd been missed some of your own life

[@cbwavy]

Stories like this put me in awe of the strength of my ancestors. They kept pushing for their dignity and freedom when ALL the chips were stacked against them.

[@janicefrost4190]

Shhhhh, you're not supposed to acknowledge this kind of abuse out loud.

[@01Mattam]

Thank you for airing this very worthwhile and informative story. Thank you for the investigative journalism and reporting.

[@muhammadsteinberg]

Is anyone surprised? I experienced racism during my service (80's-90's).

[@KhemistryIBMOR]

I'm glad Mr. Baker received the recognition he deserved. Racism is "still" alive and well in America today, though.

[@chumps7974]

Always will be. Yet people still do amazing things in spite of

[@effemesseyeveethefourth2841]

​@@chumps7974true

[@rickdeckard8716]

I work in transportation. I agree.

[@lordrandolf1]

So true. But fortunately, everybody isn’t racism.

[@Sammysapphira]

No it's not

[@candacesmith4433]

My dad was a medic during WW2 and was in Sommocolonia Italy and was taken as a prisoner of war and spent about 4 months in a prison camp. He was at the ceremony in 1997 when Vernon Baker received the Medal of Honor, he passed away in January of 2021 and he and my mom are interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

[@kennethrobinson6738]

Such a powerful video. Thank you sharing. ❤

[@rudolphwatson1737]

So sad the men and women who served this nation had to suffer the ignorance of racism when they sacrificed thier lives and limbs. America should honor their men and women who served no matter what race or creed. Let no man pull you so low as to hate him. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. From a proud Vietnam era Vet and Proud American Legionnaire!

[@normanhenderson7300]

It is not normal for black men to fight wars to save the white man from himself.

[@michelej9496]

"Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm." Proverbs 3:30 KJV

[@stillsolid5785]

They'll never do that. The Dred Scott decision still stands in the minds of white citizens in the US

[@creolelady4096]

Thank you for your Service Sir. I worked and took care of veterans for 40 years at the VA Medical Center. I salute you all.

[@adriannamoreno8649]

We know what we sacrifice. The problem is that Americans don't appreciate the ones who gave their all. So they could enjoy all these freedoms they take for granted.

[@HighKicks2yaTeef]

Makes me kinda proud my dad skipped out on the draft... He told me "wtf do I look like fighting for people who don't care for me?"

[@00BAAM]

THAT!

[@kennethwalton5582]

Well, I can’t speak for all of the Officers who attended the college and the impact that it had on them but I can speak for General Patton. My grandfather, a “black” man served as a sergeant under General Patton in WWII. My grandfather told me of how he was trapped behind the German lines in France as he was fighting in WWII. My grandfather was a fantastic mechanic and he serviced the tanks in General Patton’s tank division. As my grandfather was trapped behind enemy lines, he told me that he was afraid that those “white boys” that he fought along side would leave him there to die. To his surprise and my own good fortune, General Patton made a point to go and get him. Not only did General Patton make sure that my grandfather was retrieved but after my grandfather was safely back with his company, Patton’s company, General Patton checked on him to see how he was doing. My grandfather was literally amazed and he asked General Patton why he came for him. Well, Patton in his bold and direct matter simply told my grandfather that he didn’t give a damn what color his skin was. At the end of the day, he was a damn good mechanic and good mechanics were hard to find. So, despite the college’s attempt to brainwash their officers with stupidity and ignorance, at least General George S. Patton, was concerned about a lot more than the color of a man’s skin or his ethnicity. He was concerned about a man’s worth and value as a man, and nothing more.

[@slowpoke96Z28]

Thanks for posting this.

[@anastasiostapsas9902]

Black Americans are beyond brave. Even though their ancestors were held in bondage, sold and traded like chattel, forced to endure the cruelest of punishments, humiliated, they, by choice, served their country in the noblest of ways putting their lives on the line to protect it and its citizens. There have never been braver men and women, more honorable men and women, to selflessly serve their country. They must all be honoured in the highest manner possible. I thank you all for your service. God bless.

[@LondonCalling12]

💯💯💯 Their loyalty despite unimaginable hardship is unparalleled. The modern world has never seen anything like it and cannot fathom it, which is why there is such a campaign to squash their contributions and act like nothing happened.

[@jagbrit3723]

So beautifully stated, both of you guys. Thank you. The Black American story is unparalleled. Unlike other intensely persecuted peoples, like the Jews during Nazism, which lasted under 7 years, the African American has endured theirs for 400+ years, and counting. Worse yet, unlike other intensely persecuted peoples, like the Jews or Black South Africans during apartheid, caucasian americans do not even consider the ills of their black countrymen as ills. Instead, they constantly mock them by denying the existence of systemic racism, though they are least affected by it. It's all so wrong but accepted as normal in the U.S.

[@IANupe104]

Was this when America was great.... still trying to find that specific time period

[@Willywoo1975]

This information is so critical to historical events. Thank you

[@BonniePryor]

I SOLUTE YOU SIR A GREAT MAN WHAT COURAGE, AND BRAVERY YOU HAVE

[@kevinreese8224]

This nation loves our blood but not our beings - unsung but not unknown 👌🏽

[@IlaE.Williams-yv8xg]

...."Unsung but not unknown"....AMEN

[@zakjackson2610]

“When you’re living as black man, it’s a different kind of American Dream.” -Willie Jones

[@johnlase4376]

52 years after?? only if people understood what that meant. its like going to jail for 52 years for crime you did not do... they took this man dignity and pride from him.

[@MARIE19986]

Thank You for Sharing.

[@Hadasah777]

My Dad fought from the end of WW2, Korea through Vietnam. His good friend Roscoe Dabney was a Tuskegee airman. There are soooooo many good men who happen to be Black that had it not been for them, America might not be now.

[@coachduece]

My grandfather was stationed at pearl harbor... even retreived bodies out of the bay, and he was denied his GI bill and any recognition of being at pearl harbor for his service. This is the reason why my older family told me to never join any branch of the military

[@jackiescotty9463]

This is the America that soooo many believe your country is a Greatest Place to live😢 wake up everybody!

[@cbread208]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿Thank You for sharing!!

[@LEEMAN-X]

its great that more stories like this are coming to light, i enjoyed reading these comments on this video also .

[@markmjames66mj]

I obviously don't know Vernon Baker, but I'm proud of him 👊🏾

[@darkmoneybrandon24]

Man it’s crazy the stuff they keep in the dark. At least the dark always comes to the light

[@biloki3079]

Not always. Florida is banning knowledge like this. Threatening to put teachers in jail if they teach it. Other Republican states are looking to copy it.

[@sageex3931]

​@@biloki3079 yep

[@chumps7974]

​@@biloki3079history is repeating itself

[@user-tj7jo5zl6b]

@@biloki3079 But then comes GOD and stories like these that comes to the forefront regardless of what man tries to hide.

[@jb-vb8un]

@bilok NO FACTS - ya got no facts .... this is classic CRT / DEI / KKK abc station left-wing reporting, they even attempt to blame REUBLICAN Eisenhower when it was DEMOCRAT KKK SUPPORTER FDR & his racist / moa /NAZI appeasing admin

[@aftonair]

Thank you for this report.

[@thomaspitts9949]

Thank you for this story

[@spurgeonholloman8135]

Both of my grandfathers talked about this. One fought the Japanese the other on the German front in a tank. Damn shame people in this nation would rather embrace negative stereotypes vs recognizing Major contributions.

[@vitus6302]

It’s not a contribution though. What did the US gain by participating in WW2?

[@MrHello-nx4xs]

@@vitus6302The US economy boomed after WWII. Unfortunately, Black people did not get their share of the wealth.

[@vitus6302]

@@MrHello-nx4xs booming after WW2 ≠ booming because of WW2.

[@kimberlyowens5496]

These same soldiers were denied the GI bill which would have elevated their lives.

[@eugenebrewster8227]

Yes! And the lives of their descendents. It's called generational wealth. That and MANY other atrocities in 🇺🇸 history, is why Foundational Black Americans deserve Reperations.

[@j.r.freeman9420]

Great journalism!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@KristinShoots]

i’m not crying….*sniff*…you are. thank you for spotlighting a tremendous man. my granpa would be proud his mama smuggled him out of Italy (he came to the US when he was 4), to come home so he could fight for his homeland USA in Normandy to see the truth & redemption of a true American. he would’ve treated this Black Man, this American Hero, as a true colleague & peer had they served together in WWII. Mr. Baker was also a paratrooper in the Korean War, too!! talk about courage! First Lieutenant Baker, Sir, i hope You & my Granpa are enjoying eternity together. ✊🏼🥰

[@javiertorres9114]

I’m not black but I believe in absolute truth. I hope our schools will have the integrity to not sugar coat the past in how our nation became to be. It’s unfortunate that we still have to battle this today.

[@theodoreroberts3407]

Unfortunately, unless we force them to, it won't happen. You have a faction that doesn't want history taught and want to burn books instead. This is the 21st century, we should be moving forward, not backwards. All of you know the true history, you lived it (and that makes a big difference). I thank all the vets and their families for their sacrifices for our country (if you saw action or not). 🇺🇲

[@BE-bk1tb]

Sugar coat?! If we’re lucky!! They’re actively trying to remove the racist history and history of Black contributions and transgressions from our society!!

[@charlesd.346]

It's makes them look bad. How can you go to another country claiming to help oppression of people's rights, welfare, etc. Then, back home, treat all so-called minorities they way they do and hear of all the things they have done to so-called Indians lacing blankets with small pox and so-called African Americans the horrors of slavery in the past its hypocrisy.

[@user-zh1pb1sz7g]

History is being banned as critical race theory.

[@HatesRacists]

The schools will fail. Teach your kids this history.

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

It's 2023 and this brings me to tears.

[@DCMoPo]

Great information. ThankU for sharing

[@mikes.johnson204]

It was a pleasure meeting Lieutenant Baker. His heroes ism should be passed down from generation to generation. I was blessed to have his book that he had signed for me.

[@mikes.johnson204]

Who is the only living medal of honor recipient that was awarded the medal of honor by Clinton in 1997?

[@inezwilliams6709]

What is the name of his book? I would love to read it. We have to educate ourselves. If we don’t, our miseducation will continue and our children will never know their heroic ancestors.

[@paulshubsachs4977]

From Europe: During WW2, segregation in the U.S. military was rigorous, even in off-duty periods. At the liberation of Paris, the Free French armored corps were allowed the symbolism of entering the city first, together with U.S. troops...however, great care was taken to avoid the appearance of black U.S.servicemen at that moment. It astonishes me that America has achieved so much in spite of its utter contempt for so many of its own countrymen.

[@ParaQue-lc2wv]

France didn’t show appreciation for the blood spilled by their sub-Saharan colonial soldiers. France’s General Charles De Gaulle didn’t want French African colonial troops, who formed a large part of the French Free Forces, to be involved in the liberation of Paris. That’s the way it goes with the human race as Japan also treated it’s Korean and Taiwanese soldiers with contempt.

[@principalitycidade4323]

@@ParaQue-lc2wv interesting point but when it came to america black servicemen wrre still lynched in uniform

[@ParaQue-lc2wv]

@@principalitycidade4323 Yes, I am aware of those tragic occurrences.

[@cokelife5831]

@@principalitycidade4323wow wtf

[@principalitycidade4323]

@@cokelife5831 yup by civilians and servicemen alike

[@javaadaros]

Even though it's kind of very late for all this, it's good to see this content out

[@billg4517]

I have to wonder how many more Vernon Bakers both past and present are out there. Thank you sir...

[@Muskogee]

My uncle fought in WWll. He died at the age of 76 in 1995. He was in Hawaii when the Japanese attacked Peal Harbor. The VA only gave him 10% disability even though they knew he had issues.

[@bokalisaint-wyatt6680]

I remember that day when Vernon Baker finally received his just recognition. Proud day.

[@addywick8941]

THANK YOU!!!❤

[@jaykay5838]

When a man crys. It hits the soul.

[@richardljones515]

When I was in college, while doing research, I discovered that the German prisoners in the US was treated better than black soldiers in the US military. The US military was the largest racist agency or organization in the US at that time. Doing the time prior to the '70s, black US serviceman could die for this country but they could not be a part of this country. And it was sad and shameful that they was treated so badly when they died along next to their counterparts.

[@lindar6326]

THEY WEREN'T ALLOWED TO BE BURIED IN THE SAME GRAVEYARDS HAHAHA 😂HAHAHA..

[@VentureHolly]

HBO owes these men their own Band of Brothers/The Pacific-style miniseries

[@J4sse]

Bring it on!

[@TheLbrown17]

Sadly they would get the worst actors and no one would watch it...

[@19enmu88]

To do that by yourself, what a man!

[@natashakayy]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@leonfrancis3418]

25 men to capture a castle fortress? They were literally sent as cannon fodder on a suicide mission. No wonder they segregated the units. This country, man.

[@mikhelBrown]

If you're a descendant of one of these brave men, *Thank you for your service to mankind.* And don't get angry or lose hope because 'Great deeds never go unrewarded'. 💯

[@LafemmebearMusic]

Nah we can be angry too 🤷🏾‍♀️🫶🏾

[@TruthofAce]

Anger is a legitimate full human emotional response. Let’s not deny these servicemen and their families their full humanity…

[@troyedwards8863]

How can you possibly tell someone "don't get angry". Please never say that to anyone.

[@BlueBeetle1939]

Great informative segment

[@curtishouze1471]

Thank you SIR, 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@goldenari295]

My dad fought in the vietnam war. It pisses me off how black men were on the front line, and come back to disrespect. A disgrace of a nation, He was a real hero to me. Because he fought war everyday, against the very home he went to protect, just like my grandfather before him. 🙏🏽💯

[@elijahjackson8064]

He needs a movie!

[@philipjubileo.omonoji8151]

It takes a lot to make a soldier cry, especially a soldier who led and lost almost 25 of his men but you saw him cry in the open. I bet you that he would gladly let go of that medal just to have his men back. Huge respect to you, your lost comrades and indeed ALL who serve and who are still serving. GodBlessYouALL

[@thomascorrea3937]

Thank you Sir for your service and welcome home. You are a hero and a true Badass.

[@edwardblassingamesr983]

My cousin's father is a man whom I admired a great deal. His father fought in the Korean War with my father, who fought in World War II also. His father jumped on a handgrenade, saving many lives. He should have been given the medal of honor but wasn't. I still enlisted to serve because that's what my family do is serve our country. Over 20+ years after they served I and many others suffered at the hands of a white surpremist captain,and I doubt very seriously if the racism in the military isn't continuing to March on in the 21st century.

[@warrengoss7547]

The racism today is directed at White people.

[@zumaanandrade3961]

Of course it is this is America.

[@vanglorious11]

I got out in 09, after 14 years of Army and Navy I can confirm it is.

[@YourGuySmiley]

what would you recommend to someone black considering joining today?

[@JimmyCrackCorn_]

This was how your family member was disrespected by this dishonorable nations military, and you still turned around and joined these devils fighting THEIR WARS!!! 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@LizRob187]

My uncle was beaten in Arizona because he was on a bus in his army uniform going home on furlough. The white soldiers felt he should not have worn his uniform in public. My dad had to drive to Arizona to drive him home to California.

[@TheHog131]

Thanks for this informative clip

[@martinissa1931]

This manmade discrimination, and the pain it brings is like death, you never get used to it! I think those of us who are lacking in humanity are usually the ones pushing for segregation!

[@usgalsen]

The history of America is still a tragedy. So many people and races marginalized as "subhuman" and oppressed. The oppressive structures are still present in our politics, our legal system, our police, our military, our education...It's tragic!

[@acommon1]

Worthy of reflection & deeper dive as there were others overlooked.

[@believeinpeace]

I’m speechless! It breaks my heart how prejudice this country is and has been.

[@Africanchild825]

So you did not know? Where have you been?

[@michellew4737]

The same thing happened to my husband. He fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. They awarded him two bronze stars which should have been silver medals. They downgraded it to a bronze start so that the officers (who did not fight) were given the silver stars. Yes, my husband is a black man. Our military is still just as racist as it was back then…only today it is unspoken racism.

[@vitus6302]

What are the names of the two officers that were given silver stars?

[@SuperShadowKing666]

Some things change. Some things stay the same. I've seen it firsthand during my time in the Army.

[@hugoschkiglitz]

Yeah I always thought it strange how all the allied power countries never depict black participation on a large scale in any WWII storytelling. Even when you look at the iconic photos of triumph, you hardly ever saw the black people who were in the trenches when the going was tough.