soldier and i had a job to do. how could he be laid to rest without his wife present for the military honors. >> i can keep it together more on the outside but on the inside, i'm just so sad. >> reporter: it's been almost one month since heidy baker lost her husband of 17 years. >> i have been for days now all by myself and i haven't spoken to no one. >> reporter: after long bouts of brain cancer, sensing he was slipping away, vernon baker cracked jokes, remained positive and spoke his final words. >> he hugged me and told me he loves me. >> reporter: baker was 90. nine days ago hundreds of people went to his memorial service, and heidy was presented the flag the same day it draped over vernon's body the date he left home. >> that was the hardest of the whole service. that was a bad moment. >> reporter: september 24th, the medal of honor's recipients body