Question

1. in 1997, the medal of honor was bestowed upon vernon baker. what made this awarding historically notable?

baker was recognized as the first officer in the u.s. navy to be decorated for valor in battle.

baker was the sole african american world war ii veteran still alive at the time to be granted this medal.

baker led the initial marine brigade to make a landing at normandy during the second world war.

baker was the only individual to have served in both the first and second world wars and received the medal.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect as Vernon Baker was in the Army, not Navy.
• The second option is correct: In 1997, Vernon Baker was the sole African - American World War II veteran still alive to receive the Medal of Honor for his WWII service (many African - American WWII veterans' valor was overlooked initially, and later Baker, being alive, got the recognition).
• The third option is incorrect as the Normandy landing's initial Marine brigade is not associated with Baker.
• The fourth option is incorrect as Baker did not serve in both WWI and WWII.

Answer:

B. Baker was the sole African American World War II veteran still alive at the time to be granted this medal.