54-YEAR CHALLENGE: 2nd Lt. Vernon Baker on January 11, 1943, the day he commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. 1st Lt. Baker again on January 13, 1997, the day he received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in World War II. In July the Idaho National Guard named its newest building in his honor. Baker retired to Idaho in 1986, where he lived until his death in 2010. Read more about him on our Facebook page. #medalofhonor #hero #usarmy #soldier #wwii #worldwar2 #idaho #history #vernonbaker #armystrong #10yearchallenge #courage #americanhero