Lasting valor

by Vernon J. Baker

Most Americans didn't learn of the heroism of these men, the last of the Buffalo Soldiers, until January 13, 1997. In the East Room of the White House President Bill Clinton, on behalf of a grateful nation, gave belated recognition to six men long dead and one tearful survivor of 77. This is the survivor's story. It centers on April 5, 1945, during the battle for Castle Aghinolfi in northern Italy. Vernon Baker knew he was being deserted when his white company commander announced he was going for reinforcements. Although Lieutenant Baker and his men were caught three miles behind enemy lines, and half of their comrades were dead, they did not turn and run. Part of the last segregated outfit to go to war for the United States, they knew they already had done the impossible - and were fiercely proud to keep going. The worst was yet to come. Lasting Valor tells, for the first time, of the life of the black World War II infantryman. Vernon Baker eloquently portrays the hell of war, the dif