War medals awarded after 55 years

  • IT'S ABOUT TIME- Menard County Judge Brandon Corbin, left, presented James Ray Baker with his military honors earned in Vietnam. Because of a paperwork error, Baker had been listed as dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Army. The incorrect status was finally righted thanks to Congressman Pfluger's office and the local veterans coalition. Baker is pictured center. Carol Cunningham, right, was present from Pfluger's camp. Menard County photo.
    IT'S ABOUT TIME- Menard County Judge Brandon Corbin, left, presented James Ray Baker with his military honors earned in Vietnam. Because of a paperwork error, Baker had been listed as dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Army. The incorrect status was finally righted thanks to Congressman Pfluger's office and the local veterans coalition. Baker is pictured center. Carol Cunningham, right, was present from Pfluger's camp. Menard County photo.
    In 1969 James Ray Baker was discharged from the Army and returned home from the Vietnam War for medical attention. At that time, a clerical mistake incorrectly classified Baker as dishonorably discharged. After living 55 years with the inaccurate discharge marking, the status was overturned within the past year. Listed on his DD-214 medi-cal discharge papers were the medals earned by Baker, but...

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