Edward Baker
Edward Lee Baker, Jr., a Black soldier, was born on this date in 1865.
Born in Platte River, WY, he enlisted in the Army in Cincinnati, OH, in 1882. A Buffalo Soldier, Baker served with both the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry, attaining the rank of Sergeant Major in 1892. Baker saw combat in the Spanish-American War, earning a Congressional Medal of Honor for braving heavy fire.
He saved the life of a comrade during the Spanish American War assault on San Juan Hill on July 1, 1898, in Santiago, Cuba. After the war, he was promoted to the rank of captain and given command of the 49th Infantry. Baker led this 100-man unit to an unprecedented record of efficiency and discipline.
He retired in 1909 after nearly 28 years of service. Edward Lee Baker, Jr., died on Aug 26, 1913, at the Presidio and is buried at Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles, CA.
Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue S.E.
Washington D.C. 20540
