Edward Lee Baker Jr. (December 28, 1865 in Laramie County, Wyoming – August 26, 1913 in Los Angeles) was an African-American United States Army Captain who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Spanish–American War.

[1] A notable African-American Medal of Honor recipient, Baker is also known for being the maternal grandfather of jazz saxophonist and Oscar nominee Dexter Gordon.

At the time of his retirement he was one of the highest ranking African-American officers in the United States Army.

Date of Presentation: Unknown Citation: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Major Edward Lee Baker Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 1 July 1898, while serving with 10th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Santiago, Cuba.

Sergeant Major Baker left cover and, under fire, rescued a wounded comrade from drowning.