Free Republic

The Family of Medal of Honor recipient Vernon Baker was denied access to the White House's West Wing on Saturday, a day after the World War II hero was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Baker's widow, Heidy, and grandson, Vernon Pawlik, 10, were denied entry because the boy was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. His shirt had a picture of his grandfather on it. A White House website doesn't list a dress code, but the family had been invited to tour the West Wing, which houses the president's office and where casual dress is prohibited. U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick's office...

Vernon Baker, who belatedly received the Medal of Honor for his role in World War II, died at his home near St. Maries, Idaho. He was 90. Baker died Tuesday of complications of brain cancer, Benewah County coroner and funeral home owner Ron Hodge said. Then-President Bill Clinton presented the nation's highest award for battlefield valor to Baker in 1997. He was one of just seven black soldiers to receive it and the only living recipient. Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/07/14/1266740/medal-of-honor-hero-vernon-baker.html#ixzz0tgOa1s70