Korean War

The Korean War began when, on June 25, 1950, North Korean soldiers crossed the 38^th parallel marking the boundary between North and South Korea. This conflict between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, backed by the Soviet Union, and the Republic of Korea, which was a pro-Western republic, was the first in the Cold War. By July 1950, America joined the war, backing South Korea. After some initial back-forth along the border, the fighting stalled and casualties began to pile up. Fearing a larger war with Russia, China, or even a third World War, American officials frantically tried to negotiate peace with North Korea. In July 1953 the Korean War came to an end, after approximately 5 million soldiers and civilians lost their lives.*

Lanzy Meshew Baker was one who answered the call and joined the military at the age of 18 when he served in the Korean War. After three years of service he was honorably discharged. Originally born in Kentucky, but residing in from Thebes, Illinois at the time of enlistment Mr. Baker joined the Army in St. Louis, Missouri on October 21, 1948. He departed in San Francisco, California on February 10, 1949 and received a souvenir newspaper specifically distributed to those on the boat leaving the United States. The newspaper showed the expected days of travel and was to debark in Japan on February 23, 1949. The newspaper also included articles with political news in the United States and of a trial in the Philippines against Japanese soldiers charged with murdering 168 civilians in Luzon, Manila in 1945. While in Japan enroute to Korea Mr. Baker acquired a pamphlet with a picture of Jesus. He kept the picture in his helmet for the duration of his two years overseas. On May 29, 1952 he was discharged with honors, another type of benefit afforded to service members: eight military ribbons, an “Occupation Medal (Japan)”, and a “Korean Service Medal”.

Military discharge Certificate and Paper: these documents officially separated Mr. Baker from the service of the United States Armed Forces on May 29, 1952.

Korean War Military Ribbons: these ribbons were received by Mr. Baker for his service in the United States Armed Forces. The four ribbons on the bottom right were received along with his Korean War Military Medals. Above these, the top right ribbon is an “Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon”, the ribbon to its right, and the mini ribbon on the bottom left are also unknown. The ribbon bar on the top left from left to right is: Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Medal, and the third ribbon is unknown.

Korean War Military Medals: these medals were received by Mr. Baker for his service in the United States Armed Forces, three of which (the medals on each end and the medal second from the right) he received for his service in the Korean War. The medal second from the left is an “Army Good Conduct Medal”.

Religious Pamphlet Image of Jesus: this image of Jesus was acquired in Japan while Mr. Baker was in route to Korea. He kept the image in his helmet for the duration of his service.

Spot Light Boat Newspaper: this souvenir newspaper was given to those on the boat that took civilians and soldiers departing from San Francisco, California on February 10, 1949 to Japan. The newspaper included a colander with departure day and expected arrival day listed, as well articles pertaining to U.S. and overseas politics.

*Hastings, Max, The Korean War, Simon and Schuster Paperbacks, New York, 1987.