April 8, 1923 ~ July 20, 2016 (age 93)
All who knew William "Bill" Barney would agree that he was truly extraordinary. He was a man of great honor and courage who touched so many within the community he called home throughout the majority of his life. A loving husband and father, Bill was thrilled to be an active part of his grandchildren's lives. Life was not without times of trial for him, but he faced whatever came his way with strength and courage that were truly an inspiration. Although he will be deeply missed, Bill leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever treasure.
It was great to be an American during the 1920s. The victory in WWI left us recognized as a world leader for the first time, and innovation was transforming the way we lived our daily lives. Amidst this exciting time was a time of excitement in the lives of Lester and Tressa (Smith) Barney as they were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named William Clarence on April 8, 1923, in Columbia City, Whitley, Indiana. Bill's early school years were spent at the Egolf School on present day State Road 9, and from there he attended the newly-opened Thorncreek Township Elementary School on Airport Road. Bill's high school years found him at Columbia City High School where he was a member of the Eagles' basketball team as well a member of the Future Farmers of America, graduating High School in 1941.
Bill was drafted into the Army Air Forces on 22 January 1943 entering service at Toledo, Ohio; Army Serial Number 35543563. After basic Training and evaluation Bill was selected to become an aerial gunner. This would include advanced training at a flexible gunnery school graduating with a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 611. Upon completion of this training Bill now a Corporal was assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron, 504th Bomb Group, (Very Heavy) a B-29 Superfortress group engaged in combat crew training at Fairmont Army Air Field, Geneva Nebraska soon to deploy to the Pacific to the Island of Tinian. On 10 September 1944 the 393rd Bomb Squadron with little notice was permanently detached from the 504th Bomb Group at Fairmont and transfer without aircraft to Wendover Army Air Field, Utah.
No one in the squadron knew why at the time this had occurred but the squadron had been selected to become the combat delivery force of atomic weapons of the yet to be formed 509th Composite Group. In the meantime the 393rd BS continued to train with no one knowing the truth of their future mission. When they first arrived at Wendover there were no radar operators in the squadron. Normally this training would occur at a special school in Boca Raton, Florida but this squadron had special privileges. One gunner was selected from each of the 15 aircrews of the squadron and given individual radar training at Wendover Field. Bill was selected from the Fred Bock, Crew C-13 to become their radar operator yielding an MOS change to 688. The squadrons new Silverplate (atomic capable) B-29's started to arrive at Wendover from October to December 1944 when training started in earnest. The 509th CG was officially activate on 17 December 1944 at Wendover Field. One early aspect of group training that Bill took part in was conducted from 7 January 1945 to the end of February over the Caribbean with this temporary duty bases out of Batista Field in San Antonio de Los Baños, 25 miles southwest of Havana. Addition training occurring at Wendover utilizing the base bombing ranges and longer range training to ranges in southern California.
On 12 June 1945 Bill deployed to Tinian Island, in the Marianas with his Fred Bock Crew, C-13 flying their normally assigned B-29 serial number 44-27297, Victor number 77 once on Tinian, named postwar, still at Tinian "Bockscar" after their aircraft commander. Once at Tinian training continued from the 509th CG secured area of North Field with many theater qualifying missions and the beginning of combat operations over the Japanese empire. These mission utilized an ordnance known as a pumpkin bomb, very similar in size and weight to the Fat Man atomic implosion weapon (later used over Nagasaki) however these were non-nuclear consisting of 6,300 pounds of Composition B explosive (a Blockbuster weapon).
Bill and the Fred Bock crew did not participate in the Hiroshima mission officially call "Centerboard I" where Paul Tibbets and the crew of the Enola Gay dropped the "Little Boy" gun type atomic bomb over that city on 6 August 1945. With no sign of Japanese surrender a second nuclear strike "Centerboard II" was authorized 3 days later with the primary target being the city of Kokura and the secondary being Nagasaki. Bill and the Fred Bock crew did participate in this mission but no as might be expected. Bill's normally assigned plane "Bockscar" was selected to be the weapons carrier and Paul Tibbets group commander selected Major Charles Sweeney to command this mission and fly "Bockscar" with Crew C-15. Fred Bock and Crew C-13 including Bill would fly the instrument plane 44-27353 later named "The Great Artiste" so essentially the Sweeney and Bock crews switched planes.
On 9 August 1945 this mission commenced with numerous problems related to the weapon carrying command aircraft and weather and other issues over the primary target Kokura. This attack was abandoned with the strike force turning toward the secondary Nagasaki. As history proves this mission was successful, operationally with "Bockscar" piloted by Sweeney, and with "The Great Artiste" piloted by Bock flying in formation but aft of Bockscar. When Bockscar released the Fat Man bomb, the "The Great Artiste" simultaneously released three parachute instrument canister (to gauge the explosive force). After release both planes made evasive maneuvers in opposite directions in diving 155º turns to escape the blast detonation shock wave. Due to fuel shortages primarily caused by Major Sweeney emergency landings were made at Okinawa, refueled then headed home to Tinian. In the end the mission was deemed a success even with the faults of Maj. Sweeney. The Bock crew including Bill performed without flaw on this Centerboard II mission.
Bill's crew dropped another pumpkin bomb on 14 August 1945 the same day Japan unofficially surrendered so this was one of the last bombs dropped during the Pacific war. The Japanese officially surrendered on the deck of the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945, bringing to an end to the Pacific war and WW II. Bill and his crew steadfastly maintained that with the imminent invasion of Allied troops on the mainland of Japan in Operations Olympic slated for November 1945, the orders by President Truman to drop the atomic bombs saved thousands of lives of both Japanese and Allied troops as that invasion was avoided. Bill and the 509th CG air echelon returned to the United States in November 1945 to their new home base at Roswell NM. Bill was honorably discharged and received several Army Air Forces awards.
Following in the footsteps of many other young soldiers after the war, Bill came home and resumed the life he set aside for a time. He met and later married Phyllis Stickler on November 27, 1946. Together they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Barbara, and they also worked their Airport Road farm. When all the crops were in every summer, they enjoyed doing some traveling as a family, visiting places like Florida and Washington, D.C. In addition to farming, Bill drove a delivery truck for the Whitley County Co-op during the fifties and sixties. On January 19, 1983, Bill was deeply saddened with the death of his wife.
Later he met a lovely widow lady thru her brother Ralph and on May 22, 1985 Bill married Cora Bailey Murphy in Warsaw. Together they maintained their home on the Barney farm on Airport Road, and they spent many winter months in Osteen, Florida.
Throughout his life Bill was very active in his community. He was a founding member of the Thorncreek Township Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Thorncreek Township Advisory Board, a member of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) and also of the Whitley County Farm Bureau, the Fraternal Order of Elks, Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion. When it came to his hobbies, Bill often read western novels, keeping an immaculate yard and garden, and also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, William "Bill" Barney was a humble man who lived to serve others. His love for his family was never-ending, and his devotion to his community was unmatched. Bill will never be forgotten.
William C. Barney, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Wednesday evening, July, 20, 2016, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Bill's family includes his daughter, Barbara (Joe) Clark, of Fort Wayne; step-son, Robert (Gayle) Murphy, of Pierceton; grandchildren LeAnn (Jeffrey) Nome, of Fort Wayne, Stephen (Samantha) Clark, of Noblesville and Amanda (Josh) Clements, of Fort Wayne; four great-grandchildren, Kaia, Jase, Spencer Nome and Laela Harouff; and numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Bill also leaves behind two special friends that he would collaborate with, Rod and Rick Zorger. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; first wife of 36 years, Phyllis Barney on January 19, 1983; second wife of 30 years, Cora Barney on October 18, 2014; foster brother, Wilbur Steadman; step-daughter, Judy Murphy Walters; and three step-grandchildren.
Visitation is Sunday, July 24, 2016, from 2-5 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Visitation will also be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday with Bill's funeral procession leaving DeMoney-Grimes at 10:30 a.m. to Blue River Cemetery, where his funeral services with military honors will be rendered by his family, the U.S. Army and the Whitley County Korean War Veteran's Honor Guard. Bill then will be laid to rest beside his first wife. Memorials may be given in his memory to the Historic Wendover Airfield Foundation.
Obituary edited with 509th CG historical content courtesy Vindicator I
All who knew William "Bill" Barney would agree that he was truly extraordinary. He was a man of great honor and courage who touched so many within the community he called home throughout the majority of his life. A loving husband and father, Bill was thrilled to be an active part of his grandchildren's lives. Life was not without times of trial for him, but he faced whatever came his way with strength and courage that were truly an inspiration. Although he will be deeply missed, Bill leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever treasure.
It was great to be an American during the 1920s. The victory in WWI left us recognized as a world leader for the first time, and innovation was transforming the way we lived our daily lives. Amidst this exciting time was a time of excitement in the lives of Lester and Tressa (Smith) Barney as they were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named William Clarence on April 8, 1923, in Columbia City, Whitley, Indiana. Bill's early school years were spent at the Egolf School on present day State Road 9, and from there he attended the newly-opened Thorncreek Township Elementary School on Airport Road. Bill's high school years found him at Columbia City High School where he was a member of the Eagles' basketball team as well a member of the Future Farmers of America, graduating High School in 1941.
Bill was drafted into the Army Air Forces on 22 January 1943 entering service at Toledo, Ohio; Army Serial Number 35543563. After basic Training and evaluation Bill was selected to become an aerial gunner. This would include advanced training at a flexible gunnery school graduating with a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 611. Upon completion of this training Bill now a Corporal was assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron, 504th Bomb Group, (Very Heavy) a B-29 Superfortress group engaged in combat crew training at Fairmont Army Air Field, Geneva Nebraska soon to deploy to the Pacific to the Island of Tinian. On 10 September 1944 the 393rd Bomb Squadron with little notice was permanently detached from the 504th Bomb Group at Fairmont and transfer without aircraft to Wendover Army Air Field, Utah.
No one in the squadron knew why at the time this had occurred but the squadron had been selected to become the combat delivery force of atomic weapons of the yet to be formed 509th Composite Group. In the meantime the 393rd BS continued to train with no one knowing the truth of their future mission. When they first arrived at Wendover there were no radar operators in the squadron. Normally this training would occur at a special school in Boca Raton, Florida but this squadron had special privileges. One gunner was selected from each of the 15 aircrews of the squadron and given individual radar training at Wendover Field. Bill was selected from the Fred Bock, Crew C-13 to become their radar operator yielding an MOS change to 688. The squadrons new Silverplate (atomic capable) B-29's started to arrive at Wendover from October to December 1944 when training started in earnest. The 509th CG was officially activate on 17 December 1944 at Wendover Field. One early aspect of group training that Bill took part in was conducted from 7 January 1945 to the end of February over the Caribbean with this temporary duty bases out of Batista Field in San Antonio de Los Baños, 25 miles southwest of Havana. Addition training occurring at Wendover utilizing the base bombing ranges and longer range training to ranges in southern California.
On 12 June 1945 Bill deployed to Tinian Island, in the Marianas with his Fred Bock Crew, C-13 flying their normally assigned B-29 serial number 44-27297, Victor number 77 once on Tinian, named postwar, still at Tinian "Bockscar" after their aircraft commander. Once at Tinian training continued from the 509th CG secured area of North Field with many theater qualifying missions and the beginning of combat operations over the Japanese empire. These mission utilized an ordnance known as a pumpkin bomb, very similar in size and weight to the Fat Man atomic implosion weapon (later used over Nagasaki) however these were non-nuclear consisting of 6,300 pounds of Composition B explosive (a Blockbuster weapon).
Bill and the Fred Bock crew did not participate in the Hiroshima mission officially call "Centerboard I" where Paul Tibbets and the crew of the Enola Gay dropped the "Little Boy" gun type atomic bomb over that city on 6 August 1945. With no sign of Japanese surrender a second nuclear strike "Centerboard II" was authorized 3 days later with the primary target being the city of Kokura and the secondary being Nagasaki. Bill and the Fred Bock crew did participate in this mission but no as might be expected. Bill's normally assigned plane "Bockscar" was selected to be the weapons carrier and Paul Tibbets group commander selected Major Charles Sweeney to command this mission and fly "Bockscar" with Crew C-15. Fred Bock and Crew C-13 including Bill would fly the instrument plane 44-27353 later named "The Great Artiste" so essentially the Sweeney and Bock crews switched planes.
On 9 August 1945 this mission commenced with numerous problems related to the weapon carrying command aircraft and weather and other issues over the primary target Kokura. This attack was abandoned with the strike force turning toward the secondary Nagasaki. As history proves this mission was successful, operationally with "Bockscar" piloted by Sweeney, and with "The Great Artiste" piloted by Bock flying in formation but aft of Bockscar. When Bockscar released the Fat Man bomb, the "The Great Artiste" simultaneously released three parachute instrument canister (to gauge the explosive force). After release both planes made evasive maneuvers in opposite directions in diving 155º turns to escape the blast detonation shock wave. Due to fuel shortages primarily caused by Major Sweeney emergency landings were made at Okinawa, refueled then headed home to Tinian. In the end the mission was deemed a success even with the faults of Maj. Sweeney. The Bock crew including Bill performed without flaw on this Centerboard II mission.
Bill's crew dropped another pumpkin bomb on 14 August 1945 the same day Japan unofficially surrendered so this was one of the last bombs dropped during the Pacific war. The Japanese officially surrendered on the deck of the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945, bringing to an end to the Pacific war and WW II. Bill and his crew steadfastly maintained that with the imminent invasion of Allied troops on the mainland of Japan in Operations Olympic slated for November 1945, the orders by President Truman to drop the atomic bombs saved thousands of lives of both Japanese and Allied troops as that invasion was avoided. Bill and the 509th CG air echelon returned to the United States in November 1945 to their new home base at Roswell NM. Bill was honorably discharged and received several Army Air Forces awards.
Following in the footsteps of many other young soldiers after the war, Bill came home and resumed the life he set aside for a time. He met and later married Phyllis Stickler on November 27, 1946. Together they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Barbara, and they also worked their Airport Road farm. When all the crops were in every summer, they enjoyed doing some traveling as a family, visiting places like Florida and Washington, D.C. In addition to farming, Bill drove a delivery truck for the Whitley County Co-op during the fifties and sixties. On January 19, 1983, Bill was deeply saddened with the death of his wife.
Later he met a lovely widow lady thru her brother Ralph and on May 22, 1985 Bill married Cora Bailey Murphy in Warsaw. Together they maintained their home on the Barney farm on Airport Road, and they spent many winter months in Osteen, Florida.
Throughout his life Bill was very active in his community. He was a founding member of the Thorncreek Township Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Thorncreek Township Advisory Board, a member of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) and also of the Whitley County Farm Bureau, the Fraternal Order of Elks, Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion. When it came to his hobbies, Bill often read western novels, keeping an immaculate yard and garden, and also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, William "Bill" Barney was a humble man who lived to serve others. His love for his family was never-ending, and his devotion to his community was unmatched. Bill will never be forgotten.
William C. Barney, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Wednesday evening, July, 20, 2016, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Bill's family includes his daughter, Barbara (Joe) Clark, of Fort Wayne; step-son, Robert (Gayle) Murphy, of Pierceton; grandchildren LeAnn (Jeffrey) Nome, of Fort Wayne, Stephen (Samantha) Clark, of Noblesville and Amanda (Josh) Clements, of Fort Wayne; four great-grandchildren, Kaia, Jase, Spencer Nome and Laela Harouff; and numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Bill also leaves behind two special friends that he would collaborate with, Rod and Rick Zorger. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; first wife of 36 years, Phyllis Barney on January 19, 1983; second wife of 30 years, Cora Barney on October 18, 2014; foster brother, Wilbur Steadman; step-daughter, Judy Murphy Walters; and three step-grandchildren.
Visitation is Sunday, July 24, 2016, from 2-5 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Visitation will also be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday with Bill's funeral procession leaving DeMoney-Grimes at 10:30 a.m. to Blue River Cemetery, where his funeral services with military honors will be rendered by his family, the U.S. Army and the Whitley County Korean War Veteran's Honor Guard. Bill then will be laid to rest beside his first wife. Memorials may be given in his memory to the Historic Wendover Airfield Foundation.
Obituary edited with 509th CG historical content courtesy Vindicator I
April 8, 1923 ~ July 20, 2016 (age 93)
All who knew William "Bill" Barney would agree that he was truly extraordinary. He was a man of great honor and courage who touched so many within the community he called home throughout the majority of his life. A loving husband and father, Bill was thrilled to be an active part of his grandchildren's lives. Life was not without times of trial for him, but he faced whatever came his way with strength and courage that were truly an inspiration. Although he will be deeply missed, Bill leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever treasure.
It was great to be an American during the 1920s. The victory in WWI left us recognized as a world leader for the first time, and innovation was transforming the way we lived our daily lives. Amidst this exciting time was a time of excitement in the lives of Lester and Tressa (Smith) Barney as they were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named William Clarence on April 8, 1923, in Columbia City, Whitley, Indiana. Bill's early school years were spent at the Egolf School on present day State Road 9, and from there he attended the newly-opened Thorncreek Township Elementary School on Airport Road. Bill's high school years found him at Columbia City High School where he was a member of the Eagles' basketball team as well a member of the Future Farmers of America, graduating High School in 1941.
Bill was drafted into the Army Air Forces on 22 January 1943 entering service at Toledo, Ohio; Army Serial Number 35543563. After basic Training and evaluation Bill was selected to become an aerial gunner. This would include advanced training at a flexible gunnery school graduating with a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 611. Upon completion of this training Bill now a Corporal was assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron, 504th Bomb Group, (Very Heavy) a B-29 Superfortress group engaged in combat crew training at Fairmont Army Air Field, Geneva Nebraska soon to deploy to the Pacific to the Island of Tinian. On 10 September 1944 the 393rd Bomb Squadron with little notice was permanently detached from the 504th Bomb Group at Fairmont and transfer without aircraft to Wendover Army Air Field, Utah.
No one in the squadron knew why at the time this had occurred but the squadron had been selected to become the combat delivery force of atomic weapons of the yet to be formed 509th Composite Group. In the meantime the 393rd BS continued to train with no one knowing the truth of their future mission. When they first arrived at Wendover there were no radar operators in the squadron. Normally this training would occur at a special school in Boca Raton, Florida but this squadron had special privileges. One gunner was selected from each of the 15 aircrews of the squadron and given individual radar training at Wendover Field. Bill was selected from the Fred Bock, Crew C-13 to become their radar operator yielding an MOS change to 688. The squadrons new Silverplate (atomic capable) B-29's started to arrive at Wendover from October to December 1944 when training started in earnest. The 509th CG was officially activate on 17 December 1944 at Wendover Field. One early aspect of group training that Bill took part in was conducted from 7 January 1945 to the end of February over the Caribbean with this temporary duty bases out of Batista Field in San Antonio de Los Baños, 25 miles southwest of Havana. Addition training occurring at Wendover utilizing the base bombing ranges and longer range training to ranges in southern California.
On 12 June 1945 Bill deployed to Tinian Island, in the Marianas with his Fred Bock Crew, C-13 flying their normally assigned B-29 serial number 44-27297, Victor number 77 once on Tinian, named postwar, still at Tinian "Bockscar" after their aircraft commander. Once at Tinian training continued from the 509th CG secured area of North Field with many theater qualifying missions and the beginning of combat operations over the Japanese empire. These mission utilized an ordnance known as a pumpkin bomb, very similar in size and weight to the Fat Man atomic implosion weapon (later used over Nagasaki) however these were non-nuclear consisting of 6,300 pounds of Composition B explosive (a Blockbuster weapon).
Bill and the Fred Bock crew did not participate in the Hiroshima mission officially call "Centerboard I" where Paul Tibbets and the crew of the Enola Gay dropped the "Little Boy" gun type atomic bomb over that city on 6 August 1945. With no sign of Japanese surrender a second nuclear strike "Centerboard II" was authorized 3 days later with the primary target being the city of Kokura and the secondary being Nagasaki. Bill and the Fred Bock crew did participate in this mission but no as might be expected. Bill's normally assigned plane "Bockscar" was selected to be the weapons carrier and Paul Tibbets group commander selected Major Charles Sweeney to command this mission and fly "Bockscar" with Crew C-15. Fred Bock and Crew C-13 including Bill would fly the instrument plane 44-27353 later named "The Great Artiste" so essentially the Sweeney and Bock crews switched planes.
On 9 August 1945 this mission commenced with numerous problems related to the weapon carrying command aircraft and weather and other issues over the primary target Kokura. This attack was abandoned with the strike force turning toward the secondary Nagasaki. As history proves this mission was successful, operationally with "Bockscar" piloted by Sweeney, and with "The Great Artiste" piloted by Bock flying in formation but aft of Bockscar. When Bockscar released the Fat Man bomb, the "The Great Artiste" simultaneously released three parachute instrument canister (to gauge the explosive force). After release both planes made evasive maneuvers in opposite directions in diving 155º turns to escape the blast detonation shock wave. Due to fuel shortages primarily caused by Major Sweeney emergency landings were made at Okinawa, refueled then headed home to Tinian. In the end the mission was deemed a success even with the faults of Maj. Sweeney. The Bock crew including Bill performed without flaw on this Centerboard II mission.
Bill's crew dropped another pumpkin bomb on 14 August 1945 the same day Japan unofficially surrendered so this was one of the last bombs dropped during the Pacific war. The Japanese officially surrendered on the deck of the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945, bringing to an end to the Pacific war and WW II. Bill and his crew steadfastly maintained that with the imminent invasion of Allied troops on the mainland of Japan in Operations Olympic slated for November 1945, the orders by President Truman to drop the atomic bombs saved thousands of lives of both Japanese and Allied troops as that invasion was avoided. Bill and the 509th CG air echelon returned to the United States in November 1945 to their new home base at Roswell NM. Bill was honorably discharged and received several Army Air Forces awards.
Following in the footsteps of many other young soldiers after the war, Bill came home and resumed the life he set aside for a time. He met and later married Phyllis Stickler on November 27, 1946. Together they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Barbara, and they also worked their Airport Road farm. When all the crops were in every summer, they enjoyed doing some traveling as a family, visiting places like Florida and Washington, D.C. In addition to farming, Bill drove a delivery truck for the Whitley County Co-op during the fifties and sixties. On January 19, 1983, Bill was deeply saddened with the death of his wife.
Later he met a lovely widow lady thru her brother Ralph and on May 22, 1985 Bill married Cora Bailey Murphy in Warsaw. Together they maintained their home on the Barney farm on Airport Road, and they spent many winter months in Osteen, Florida.
Throughout his life Bill was very active in his community. He was a founding member of the Thorncreek Township Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Thorncreek Township Advisory Board, a member of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) and also of the Whitley County Farm Bureau, the Fraternal Order of Elks, Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion. When it came to his hobbies, Bill often read western novels, keeping an immaculate yard and garden, and also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, William "Bill" Barney was a humble man who lived to serve others. His love for his family was never-ending, and his devotion to his community was unmatched. Bill will never be forgotten.
William C. Barney, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Wednesday evening, July, 20, 2016, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Bill's family includes his daughter, Barbara (Joe) Clark, of Fort Wayne; step-son, Robert (Gayle) Murphy, of Pierceton; grandchildren LeAnn (Jeffrey) Nome, of Fort Wayne, Stephen (Samantha) Clark, of Noblesville and Amanda (Josh) Clements, of Fort Wayne; four great-grandchildren, Kaia, Jase, Spencer Nome and Laela Harouff; and numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Bill also leaves behind two special friends that he would collaborate with, Rod and Rick Zorger. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; first wife of 36 years, Phyllis Barney on January 19, 1983; second wife of 30 years, Cora Barney on October 18, 2014; foster brother, Wilbur Steadman; step-daughter, Judy Murphy Walters; and three step-grandchildren.
Visitation is Sunday, July 24, 2016, from 2-5 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Visitation will also be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday with Bill's funeral procession leaving DeMoney-Grimes at 10:30 a.m. to Blue River Cemetery, where his funeral services with military honors will be rendered by his family, the U.S. Army and the Whitley County Korean War Veteran's Honor Guard. Bill then will be laid to rest beside his first wife. Memorials may be given in his memory to the Historic Wendover Airfield Foundation.
Obituary edited with 509th CG historical content courtesy Vindicator I
All who knew William "Bill" Barney would agree that he was truly extraordinary. He was a man of great honor and courage who touched so many within the community he called home throughout the majority of his life. A loving husband and father, Bill was thrilled to be an active part of his grandchildren's lives. Life was not without times of trial for him, but he faced whatever came his way with strength and courage that were truly an inspiration. Although he will be deeply missed, Bill leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever treasure.
It was great to be an American during the 1920s. The victory in WWI left us recognized as a world leader for the first time, and innovation was transforming the way we lived our daily lives. Amidst this exciting time was a time of excitement in the lives of Lester and Tressa (Smith) Barney as they were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named William Clarence on April 8, 1923, in Columbia City, Whitley, Indiana. Bill's early school years were spent at the Egolf School on present day State Road 9, and from there he attended the newly-opened Thorncreek Township Elementary School on Airport Road. Bill's high school years found him at Columbia City High School where he was a member of the Eagles' basketball team as well a member of the Future Farmers of America, graduating High School in 1941.
Bill was drafted into the Army Air Forces on 22 January 1943 entering service at Toledo, Ohio; Army Serial Number 35543563. After basic Training and evaluation Bill was selected to become an aerial gunner. This would include advanced training at a flexible gunnery school graduating with a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 611. Upon completion of this training Bill now a Corporal was assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron, 504th Bomb Group, (Very Heavy) a B-29 Superfortress group engaged in combat crew training at Fairmont Army Air Field, Geneva Nebraska soon to deploy to the Pacific to the Island of Tinian. On 10 September 1944 the 393rd Bomb Squadron with little notice was permanently detached from the 504th Bomb Group at Fairmont and transfer without aircraft to Wendover Army Air Field, Utah.
No one in the squadron knew why at the time this had occurred but the squadron had been selected to become the combat delivery force of atomic weapons of the yet to be formed 509th Composite Group. In the meantime the 393rd BS continued to train with no one knowing the truth of their future mission. When they first arrived at Wendover there were no radar operators in the squadron. Normally this training would occur at a special school in Boca Raton, Florida but this squadron had special privileges. One gunner was selected from each of the 15 aircrews of the squadron and given individual radar training at Wendover Field. Bill was selected from the Fred Bock, Crew C-13 to become their radar operator yielding an MOS change to 688. The squadrons new Silverplate (atomic capable) B-29's started to arrive at Wendover from October to December 1944 when training started in earnest. The 509th CG was officially activate on 17 December 1944 at Wendover Field. One early aspect of group training that Bill took part in was conducted from 7 January 1945 to the end of February over the Caribbean with this temporary duty bases out of Batista Field in San Antonio de Los Baños, 25 miles southwest of Havana. Addition training occurring at Wendover utilizing the base bombing ranges and longer range training to ranges in southern California.
On 12 June 1945 Bill deployed to Tinian Island, in the Marianas with his Fred Bock Crew, C-13 flying their normally assigned B-29 serial number 44-27297, Victor number 77 once on Tinian, named postwar, still at Tinian "Bockscar" after their aircraft commander. Once at Tinian training continued from the 509th CG secured area of North Field with many theater qualifying missions and the beginning of combat operations over the Japanese empire. These mission utilized an ordnance known as a pumpkin bomb, very similar in size and weight to the Fat Man atomic implosion weapon (later used over Nagasaki) however these were non-nuclear consisting of 6,300 pounds of Composition B explosive (a Blockbuster weapon).
Bill and the Fred Bock crew did not participate in the Hiroshima mission officially call "Centerboard I" where Paul Tibbets and the crew of the Enola Gay dropped the "Little Boy" gun type atomic bomb over that city on 6 August 1945. With no sign of Japanese surrender a second nuclear strike "Centerboard II" was authorized 3 days later with the primary target being the city of Kokura and the secondary being Nagasaki. Bill and the Fred Bock crew did participate in this mission but no as might be expected. Bill's normally assigned plane "Bockscar" was selected to be the weapons carrier and Paul Tibbets group commander selected Major Charles Sweeney to command this mission and fly "Bockscar" with Crew C-15. Fred Bock and Crew C-13 including Bill would fly the instrument plane 44-27353 later named "The Great Artiste" so essentially the Sweeney and Bock crews switched planes.
On 9 August 1945 this mission commenced with numerous problems related to the weapon carrying command aircraft and weather and other issues over the primary target Kokura. This attack was abandoned with the strike force turning toward the secondary Nagasaki. As history proves this mission was successful, operationally with "Bockscar" piloted by Sweeney, and with "The Great Artiste" piloted by Bock flying in formation but aft of Bockscar. When Bockscar released the Fat Man bomb, the "The Great Artiste" simultaneously released three parachute instrument canister (to gauge the explosive force). After release both planes made evasive maneuvers in opposite directions in diving 155º turns to escape the blast detonation shock wave. Due to fuel shortages primarily caused by Major Sweeney emergency landings were made at Okinawa, refueled then headed home to Tinian. In the end the mission was deemed a success even with the faults of Maj. Sweeney. The Bock crew including Bill performed without flaw on this Centerboard II mission.
Bill's crew dropped another pumpkin bomb on 14 August 1945 the same day Japan unofficially surrendered so this was one of the last bombs dropped during the Pacific war. The Japanese officially surrendered on the deck of the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945, bringing to an end to the Pacific war and WW II. Bill and his crew steadfastly maintained that with the imminent invasion of Allied troops on the mainland of Japan in Operations Olympic slated for November 1945, the orders by President Truman to drop the atomic bombs saved thousands of lives of both Japanese and Allied troops as that invasion was avoided. Bill and the 509th CG air echelon returned to the United States in November 1945 to their new home base at Roswell NM. Bill was honorably discharged and received several Army Air Forces awards.
Following in the footsteps of many other young soldiers after the war, Bill came home and resumed the life he set aside for a time. He met and later married Phyllis Stickler on November 27, 1946. Together they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Barbara, and they also worked their Airport Road farm. When all the crops were in every summer, they enjoyed doing some traveling as a family, visiting places like Florida and Washington, D.C. In addition to farming, Bill drove a delivery truck for the Whitley County Co-op during the fifties and sixties. On January 19, 1983, Bill was deeply saddened with the death of his wife.
Later he met a lovely widow lady thru her brother Ralph and on May 22, 1985 Bill married Cora Bailey Murphy in Warsaw. Together they maintained their home on the Barney farm on Airport Road, and they spent many winter months in Osteen, Florida.
Throughout his life Bill was very active in his community. He was a founding member of the Thorncreek Township Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Thorncreek Township Advisory Board, a member of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) and also of the Whitley County Farm Bureau, the Fraternal Order of Elks, Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion. When it came to his hobbies, Bill often read western novels, keeping an immaculate yard and garden, and also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, William "Bill" Barney was a humble man who lived to serve others. His love for his family was never-ending, and his devotion to his community was unmatched. Bill will never be forgotten.
William C. Barney, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Wednesday evening, July, 20, 2016, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Bill's family includes his daughter, Barbara (Joe) Clark, of Fort Wayne; step-son, Robert (Gayle) Murphy, of Pierceton; grandchildren LeAnn (Jeffrey) Nome, of Fort Wayne, Stephen (Samantha) Clark, of Noblesville and Amanda (Josh) Clements, of Fort Wayne; four great-grandchildren, Kaia, Jase, Spencer Nome and Laela Harouff; and numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Bill also leaves behind two special friends that he would collaborate with, Rod and Rick Zorger. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; first wife of 36 years, Phyllis Barney on January 19, 1983; second wife of 30 years, Cora Barney on October 18, 2014; foster brother, Wilbur Steadman; step-daughter, Judy Murphy Walters; and three step-grandchildren.
Visitation is Sunday, July 24, 2016, from 2-5 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Visitation will also be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday with Bill's funeral procession leaving DeMoney-Grimes at 10:30 a.m. to Blue River Cemetery, where his funeral services with military honors will be rendered by his family, the U.S. Army and the Whitley County Korean War Veteran's Honor Guard. Bill then will be laid to rest beside his first wife. Memorials may be given in his memory to the Historic Wendover Airfield Foundation.
Obituary edited with 509th CG historical content courtesy Vindicator I
