Vernon Joseph Baker's actions spoke loudly on the battlefield and beyond.

But his demeanor was quiet and humble to the core.

Baker, the only living African-American Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, died on Tuesday at his home south of St. Maries after a six-year battle with cancer. He was 90.

Baker received his Medal of Honor, the country's highest award for war valor, from President Bill Clinton in 1997, 52 years after his heroic deeds on the battlefield.

"I stood on the shoulders of men like Vernon Baker," wrote Colin Powell, a retired four-star general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a book called "Lasting Valor" on Baker.

Baker received the Medal of Honor for leading a two-day assault in 1945 as a lieutenant against an Italian stronghold occupied by Germany and securing it for American forces.

He was also the last survivor of the 92nd Infantry Division's Buffalo Soldiers, the first all-black unit to see combat in the war.

Lil Shanks, a spokesperson for the family and close friend, and her husband, Dick, attended the Medal of Honor ceremony in Washington, D.C.

"To hear his story about everything he had to endure and to see how he didn't want any recognition, but instead give recognition to soldiers who didn't survive, the only word that comes to mind is humble," Shanks said. "All he wanted the world to know was that there were black World War II soldiers who did their job."

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter in December proclaimed Dec. 17 - Baker's birthday - as Vernon J. Baker Day in his honor.

In a letter to Baker, Otter wrote that his sacrifice and valor "helped preserve the freedoms we cherish as Americans. You are an example to all of us, and Idaho is grateful for your service and humbled by your civic virtue."

Otter on Wednesday called Baker "the embodiment of what it means to be a patriot."

"I was proud to know him and proud to call him an Idahoan," Otter said. "Vernon was a humble man, but he was among the greatest of the Greatest Generation. It's too bad it took the government so long to recognize and acknowledge that."

Decorated Veteran

Baker earned several other honors, including a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross. The road on which he lived, Vernon Lane, is named after him.

Sen. Jim Risch said Baker selflessly served the nation at a time when he was not welcome in all places.

"He loved his country and was deserving of all the honors bestowed upon him for his outstanding service and sacrifice," Risch said. "For nearly 25 years, Vern Baker chose to call Idaho his home, and now we salute him one last time for his selfless courage and grace."

Alexandra Tawlik, Baker's stepdaughter, said Baker was a kind, open-minded man.

"When you were around him, he gave you a special, good feeling," she said. "I named my son after him."

Hauser's Jim Wallace, a friend and veterans' service counselor who shepherded a 1997 ceremony in Olympia honoring Baker that was attended by former Gov. Gary Locke, said Baker was gentle and soft-spoken.

"He broke down all kinds of barriers," Wallace said. "He never held anything against anybody. He never stood up and said, 'Look at me.'"

Baker shunned the limelight, saying the real heroes were his fellow soldiers left behind during the war.

Baker once told The Press that his recognitions were for simply "doing a job I had to do."

"We were sent over to keep America safe," he said. "And that's what we did.

"I don't like to look back because I lost on that particular day (in April 1945) quite a few men who helped me and they are no longer with us. If it hadn't been for them, I probably wouldn't be here now. They made the greatest sacrifice."

Civilian Service

Baker's service didn't end on the battlefield.

He also spent nearly 20 years working for the American Red Cross after retiring from the Army. He also served for eight years on the state's Human Rights Commission from 2001 to 2009.

"He was one of the kindest and most genuine men I have ever known," said Leslie Goddard, retired director of the Idaho Human Rights Commission. "He took his work for the state of Idaho through the Human Rights Commission very seriously, carefully reading many, many cases and forming and expressing his own opinion, regardless of whether others agreed or not. He always stayed true to his principles and sense of fair play for everyone."

Goddard said Baker continued to work as a commissioner after he became physically unable to travel to Boise, participating in meetings by telephone.

"I know the work must have been very taxing for him, but he never backed away from it," Goddard said. "I always admired his strength of character and his work ethic. What a wonderful role model he was for all of us who had the opportunity to know him."

Baker, who underwent surgery in 2005 for a brain tumor, attended several events of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

Tony Stewart, co-founder of the group, said Baker was proud to speak to the task force about his book.

"Vern was a great friend of the task force, plus he was an American hero and very brave in war," Stewart sad. "People of all races have been a part of defending our freedom, even though at times they have been discriminated against. He will certainly be missed."

Rachel Dolezal, education director of the Human Rights Institute in Coeur d'Alene, said Baker should be commended for being a "paver of the way."

"He carried that mantle of freedom, equality, justice and human rights," she said.

The Quiet Life

Those who knew Baker said he loved rural states such as Wyoming, where he grew up and was raised by his grandparents, along with Idaho, Washington and Alaska.

He moved to North Idaho in 1987. The St. Maries area, where Baker lived with his wife, Heidy, quenched Baker's thirst for being in the woods and living a quiet life during retirement. He had read about the town in a magazine article about great places to hunt. He also enjoyed reading, classical music, walking and working on his stamp collection. He called St. Maries "the best place in the world."

"We were very fortunate to have him live in our community," said St. Maries Mayor Tami Holdahl. "It's a sad day because we have lost a piece of history. We had a true American hero who loved his country. He didn't want the attention. He did it because it was the right thing to do. He truly did what being an American is about - love of family, love of neighbor, love of country."

Wallace treasures his collection of Vern Baker memorabilia, including Baker's autographed book and T-shirt, DVDs, articles, photos and tapes.

"Every high school student in America should read the book," Wallace said. "He's a role model for every human being to treat everyone with love, kindness and respect. He'd shake your hand and give you a big smile. That was Vern Baker."

Baker will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Services are being planned in St. Maries for a date to be announced within the next three weeks.