| Birth: | Jun. 15, 1919
Edinburg
Leake County
Mississippi, USA | | Death: | Mar. 2, 2012 | 
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Eligible for membership in the Choctaw Nation, he was one of five Native Americans to earn the CMOH. He enlisted in the Army in 1940. While acting as a platoon sergeant in the 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, he was engaged in an assault against enemy forces near Carano, Italy on May 23, 1944. He destroyed one machine gun nest with a hand grenade, but continued along the defense line, killing a total of four and capturing 17 soldiers. Later than day, his position was attacked by armored tanks. Using a bazooka, he destroyed the leading tank, killing three of the crew. He then used a demolition charge to destroy an abandoned fieldpiece. While returning to the position held by his platoon, he assisted two of his seriously wounded men to safety. His citation concludes with the statement, his "extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of pointblank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers." Shortly thereafter, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. At Barfoot's request, Lieutenant General Alexander Patch presented his CMOH in the field at Épinal, France on September 28, 1944. He was later awarded a silver star, a bronze star, and 3 Purple Hearts. A veteran of three wars, he retired with the rank of Colonel in 1974. (bio by: Thom Painter)
Family links:
Parents:
Sim F. Barfoot (1883 - 1969)
Martha E. Barfoot (1884 - 1976)
Spouse:
Norma Louise Davis Barfoot (1923 - 1992)*
*Calculated relationship
Search Amazon for Van Barfoot | | | Burial:
H. C. Smither Memorial Cemetery
Hudgins
Mathews County
Virginia, USA |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: Thom Painter
Record added: Mar 02, 2012
Find A Grave Memorial# 86143246 |
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Happy birthday to a brave soldier with a good soul...
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Gil
Added: Jun. 15, 2013 |
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nevermore
Added: Jun. 15, 2013 |
Thank you Van for standing your ground against a bunch of commie HOA jerks. Somehow they think they own your life when you buy a house in their area. Take Care Sir.
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Snowden
Added: Jun. 14, 2013 |
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(4.3 after 97 votes)
