Edward L. Baker, Jr.

Edward Lee Baker, Jr. (December 28, 1865, Laramie County, Wyoming – August 26, 1913, Los Angeles) was an African-American United States Army Sergeant Major received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Spanish-American War &mdash; while under fire, he rescued a wounded soldier from drowning.

He was promoted to the rank of Captain after the war and put in command of the 49th Infantry. He retired in 1902, after 20 years of military service.

Captain Baker is interred in Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery Los Angeles, California. His grave can be found in section 3, lot 130, grave 2 SE.

Baker is the maternal grandfather of jazz saxophonist and Oscar nominee Dexter Gordon. He was the father of Gordon's mother, Gwendolyn Baker.

Medal of Honor citation
Rank and Organization: Sergeant Major, 10th U.S. Cavalry. Place and Date: At Santiago, Cuba, July 1, 1898. Birth: Laramie County, Wyoming. Date of Issue: July 3, 1902.

Citation:

Left cover and, under fire, rescued a wounded comrade from drowning.