Captain, 26th Cavalry, Philippine Scouts, US Army. Commanded East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area under Thorp, with Edwin Ramsey as adjutant and Bernard Anderson as chief of staff. After the capture of Thorp, took command of Luzon Guerrilla Force. Captured in Manila while disguised as a priest. Bayoneted to death by the Kempeitai at Manila North Cemetery on 2 October 1943.
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U.S. Army WW2
United States Military Academy Class of 1938
Captain Joseph Robert Barker, II POW/DIS
26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts
Hometown: Birmingham Alabama
Service# 0-021155
Awards: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart
Captain Barker was captured by the Japanese in January 1943 and Executed November 1943. The circumstances of his imprisonment ( most certainly he was tortured), death and the disposition of his remains are unknown currently.
This biography was gleaned from https://www.westpointaog.org
Joseph Robert Barker, II was born in Birmingham, April 27, 1915. He was christened by Dr. Edmonds on the last Sunday before the founding of the Independent Presbyterian Church.
He attended Birmingham University School, where he was graduated in 1932 and joined the Birmingham Sabres, Cavalry Unit of the Alabama National Guard. A statewide competitive examination sent him as the representative of the Alabama National Guard to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Cavalry in the United States Army after graduation in 1938.
His first assignment was the Philippines. He served with Philippine Scouts in the now famous 26th Cavalry Regiment for two and a half years before Pearl Harbor. He came to like the country and the people, learned the native languages, and delved into the history of the Islands. His hobbies included relic hunting of the early Chinese settlements, he played polo and participated in the social life in Manila.
By the Spring of 1941, preparations for Philippine defense went forward until war came in December 1941. His unit fought heroically against superior forces throughout the Bataan and Corregidor campaigns, upto the final surrender.
After Bataan fell, Captain Barker went back into the mountains to join Colonel Thorpe, who had been commissioned by General MacArthur to begin the organization of guerrillas. The Japanese captured Colonel Thorp in October, 1942 and his deputy, Captain Joseph R. Barker took command of LGF. In January 1943, Barker went into Manila disguised as a Catholic priest. Unfortunately he was betrayed and captured on January 14, 1943. Even though Colonel Thorp and all of his appointed commanders were captured and executed by the Japanese, several of the guerrilla organizations he established continued to grow and became quite effective in intelligence gathering and in harassing the Japanese.
The following awards have been made in recognition of Captain Barker's work: Distinguished Service Cross, awarded upon the recommendation of General Douglas MacArthur and by order of the President of the United States, in recognition of his work done in the guerrilla campaign. Silver Star for gallantry in action at Binalonan, Luzon, on December 24, 1941. Legion of Merit, for the skillful handling of his troops in the Battle of Bataan.
The Philippine resistance and the circumstances of capture.
During the Battle of Bataan in January 1942, Lt. Col. Claude Thorp, former Provost Marshall of Fort Stotsenberg, was authorized by General MacArthur to take a party of volunteers and infiltrate through enemy lines to establish a spy station in the Zambales Mountains above Clark Field. Thorp and his men observed Japanese activity on Clark Field and radioed reports of Japanese bombers taking off to attack Bataan and Corregidor. Thorp was also authorized to organize Filipino guerrillas to sabotage Japanese operations. After the American surrenders of Bataan and Corregidor, he formed the LGF, the original "USAFFE guerrilla" organization in the Philippines. Luzon was divided into four areas and appointed a commander over each who was charged with recruiting guerrillas and forming an effective anti-Japanese guerrilla movement in his area of responsibility:
North Luzon Military District, Capt. Ralph Praeger until his capture in August 1943.
East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area (ECLGA), Captain Joe Barker until the Japanese captured Colonel Colonel Thorp in October 1942, then Lieutenant Edwin Ramsey.
Western Luzon Guerrilla Area, Captain Ralph McGuire until he was killed in April 1943, then Captain Gualberto Sia (aka Ernest Neuman).
Southern Luzon, Captain Jack Spies. However, Spies was killed on his way to South Luzon, and this part of the organization never materialized.
----------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Army WW2
United States Military Academy Class of 1938
Captain Joseph Robert Barker, II POW/DIS
26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts
Hometown: Birmingham Alabama
Service# 0-021155
Awards: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart
Captain Barker was captured by the Japanese in January 1943 and Executed November 1943. The circumstances of his imprisonment ( most certainly he was tortured), death and the disposition of his remains are unknown currently.
This biography was gleaned from https://www.westpointaog.org
Joseph Robert Barker, II was born in Birmingham, April 27, 1915. He was christened by Dr. Edmonds on the last Sunday before the founding of the Independent Presbyterian Church.
He attended Birmingham University School, where he was graduated in 1932 and joined the Birmingham Sabres, Cavalry Unit of the Alabama National Guard. A statewide competitive examination sent him as the representative of the Alabama National Guard to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Cavalry in the United States Army after graduation in 1938.
His first assignment was the Philippines. He served with Philippine Scouts in the now famous 26th Cavalry Regiment for two and a half years before Pearl Harbor. He came to like the country and the people, learned the native languages, and delved into the history of the Islands. His hobbies included relic hunting of the early Chinese settlements, he played polo and participated in the social life in Manila.
By the Spring of 1941, preparations for Philippine defense went forward until war came in December 1941. His unit fought heroically against superior forces throughout the Bataan and Corregidor campaigns, upto the final surrender.
After Bataan fell, Captain Barker went back into the mountains to join Colonel Thorpe, who had been commissioned by General MacArthur to begin the organization of guerrillas. The Japanese captured Colonel Thorp in October, 1942 and his deputy, Captain Joseph R. Barker took command of LGF. In January 1943, Barker went into Manila disguised as a Catholic priest. Unfortunately he was betrayed and captured on January 14, 1943. Even though Colonel Thorp and all of his appointed commanders were captured and executed by the Japanese, several of the guerrilla organizations he established continued to grow and became quite effective in intelligence gathering and in harassing the Japanese.
The following awards have been made in recognition of Captain Barker's work: Distinguished Service Cross, awarded upon the recommendation of General Douglas MacArthur and by order of the President of the United States, in recognition of his work done in the guerrilla campaign. Silver Star for gallantry in action at Binalonan, Luzon, on December 24, 1941. Legion of Merit, for the skillful handling of his troops in the Battle of Bataan.
The Philippine resistance and the circumstances of capture.
During the Battle of Bataan in January 1942, Lt. Col. Claude Thorp, former Provost Marshall of Fort Stotsenberg, was authorized by General MacArthur to take a party of volunteers and infiltrate through enemy lines to establish a spy station in the Zambales Mountains above Clark Field. Thorp and his men observed Japanese activity on Clark Field and radioed reports of Japanese bombers taking off to attack Bataan and Corregidor. Thorp was also authorized to organize Filipino guerrillas to sabotage Japanese operations. After the American surrenders of Bataan and Corregidor, he formed the LGF, the original "USAFFE guerrilla" organization in the Philippines. Luzon was divided into four areas and appointed a commander over each who was charged with recruiting guerrillas and forming an effective anti-Japanese guerrilla movement in his area of responsibility:
North Luzon Military District, Capt. Ralph Praeger until his capture in August 1943.
East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area (ECLGA), Captain Joe Barker until the Japanese captured Colonel Colonel Thorp in October 1942, then Lieutenant Edwin Ramsey.
Western Luzon Guerrilla Area, Captain Ralph McGuire until he was killed in April 1943, then Captain Gualberto Sia (aka Ernest Neuman).
Southern Luzon, Captain Jack Spies. However, Spies was killed on his way to South Luzon, and this part of the organization never materialized.
Captain, 26th Cavalry, Philippine Scouts, US Army. Commanded East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area under Thorp, with Edwin Ramsey as adjutant and Bernard Anderson as chief of staff. After the capture of Thorp, took command of Luzon Guerrilla Force. Captured in Manila while disguised as a priest. Bayoneted to death by the Kempeitai at Manila North Cemetery on 2 October 1943.
----------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Army WW2
United States Military Academy Class of 1938
Captain Joseph Robert Barker, II POW/DIS
26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts
Hometown: Birmingham Alabama
Service# 0-021155
Awards: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart
Captain Barker was captured by the Japanese in January 1943 and Executed November 1943. The circumstances of his imprisonment ( most certainly he was tortured), death and the disposition of his remains are unknown currently.
This biography was gleaned from https://www.westpointaog.org
Joseph Robert Barker, II was born in Birmingham, April 27, 1915. He was christened by Dr. Edmonds on the last Sunday before the founding of the Independent Presbyterian Church.
He attended Birmingham University School, where he was graduated in 1932 and joined the Birmingham Sabres, Cavalry Unit of the Alabama National Guard. A statewide competitive examination sent him as the representative of the Alabama National Guard to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Cavalry in the United States Army after graduation in 1938.
His first assignment was the Philippines. He served with Philippine Scouts in the now famous 26th Cavalry Regiment for two and a half years before Pearl Harbor. He came to like the country and the people, learned the native languages, and delved into the history of the Islands. His hobbies included relic hunting of the early Chinese settlements, he played polo and participated in the social life in Manila.
By the Spring of 1941, preparations for Philippine defense went forward until war came in December 1941. His unit fought heroically against superior forces throughout the Bataan and Corregidor campaigns, upto the final surrender.
After Bataan fell, Captain Barker went back into the mountains to join Colonel Thorpe, who had been commissioned by General MacArthur to begin the organization of guerrillas. The Japanese captured Colonel Thorp in October, 1942 and his deputy, Captain Joseph R. Barker took command of LGF. In January 1943, Barker went into Manila disguised as a Catholic priest. Unfortunately he was betrayed and captured on January 14, 1943. Even though Colonel Thorp and all of his appointed commanders were captured and executed by the Japanese, several of the guerrilla organizations he established continued to grow and became quite effective in intelligence gathering and in harassing the Japanese.
The following awards have been made in recognition of Captain Barker's work: Distinguished Service Cross, awarded upon the recommendation of General Douglas MacArthur and by order of the President of the United States, in recognition of his work done in the guerrilla campaign. Silver Star for gallantry in action at Binalonan, Luzon, on December 24, 1941. Legion of Merit, for the skillful handling of his troops in the Battle of Bataan.
The Philippine resistance and the circumstances of capture.
During the Battle of Bataan in January 1942, Lt. Col. Claude Thorp, former Provost Marshall of Fort Stotsenberg, was authorized by General MacArthur to take a party of volunteers and infiltrate through enemy lines to establish a spy station in the Zambales Mountains above Clark Field. Thorp and his men observed Japanese activity on Clark Field and radioed reports of Japanese bombers taking off to attack Bataan and Corregidor. Thorp was also authorized to organize Filipino guerrillas to sabotage Japanese operations. After the American surrenders of Bataan and Corregidor, he formed the LGF, the original "USAFFE guerrilla" organization in the Philippines. Luzon was divided into four areas and appointed a commander over each who was charged with recruiting guerrillas and forming an effective anti-Japanese guerrilla movement in his area of responsibility:
North Luzon Military District, Capt. Ralph Praeger until his capture in August 1943.
East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area (ECLGA), Captain Joe Barker until the Japanese captured Colonel Colonel Thorp in October 1942, then Lieutenant Edwin Ramsey.
Western Luzon Guerrilla Area, Captain Ralph McGuire until he was killed in April 1943, then Captain Gualberto Sia (aka Ernest Neuman).
Southern Luzon, Captain Jack Spies. However, Spies was killed on his way to South Luzon, and this part of the organization never materialized.
----------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Army WW2
United States Military Academy Class of 1938
Captain Joseph Robert Barker, II POW/DIS
26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts
Hometown: Birmingham Alabama
Service# 0-021155
Awards: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart
Captain Barker was captured by the Japanese in January 1943 and Executed November 1943. The circumstances of his imprisonment ( most certainly he was tortured), death and the disposition of his remains are unknown currently.
This biography was gleaned from https://www.westpointaog.org
Joseph Robert Barker, II was born in Birmingham, April 27, 1915. He was christened by Dr. Edmonds on the last Sunday before the founding of the Independent Presbyterian Church.
He attended Birmingham University School, where he was graduated in 1932 and joined the Birmingham Sabres, Cavalry Unit of the Alabama National Guard. A statewide competitive examination sent him as the representative of the Alabama National Guard to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Cavalry in the United States Army after graduation in 1938.
His first assignment was the Philippines. He served with Philippine Scouts in the now famous 26th Cavalry Regiment for two and a half years before Pearl Harbor. He came to like the country and the people, learned the native languages, and delved into the history of the Islands. His hobbies included relic hunting of the early Chinese settlements, he played polo and participated in the social life in Manila.
By the Spring of 1941, preparations for Philippine defense went forward until war came in December 1941. His unit fought heroically against superior forces throughout the Bataan and Corregidor campaigns, upto the final surrender.
After Bataan fell, Captain Barker went back into the mountains to join Colonel Thorpe, who had been commissioned by General MacArthur to begin the organization of guerrillas. The Japanese captured Colonel Thorp in October, 1942 and his deputy, Captain Joseph R. Barker took command of LGF. In January 1943, Barker went into Manila disguised as a Catholic priest. Unfortunately he was betrayed and captured on January 14, 1943. Even though Colonel Thorp and all of his appointed commanders were captured and executed by the Japanese, several of the guerrilla organizations he established continued to grow and became quite effective in intelligence gathering and in harassing the Japanese.
The following awards have been made in recognition of Captain Barker's work: Distinguished Service Cross, awarded upon the recommendation of General Douglas MacArthur and by order of the President of the United States, in recognition of his work done in the guerrilla campaign. Silver Star for gallantry in action at Binalonan, Luzon, on December 24, 1941. Legion of Merit, for the skillful handling of his troops in the Battle of Bataan.
The Philippine resistance and the circumstances of capture.
During the Battle of Bataan in January 1942, Lt. Col. Claude Thorp, former Provost Marshall of Fort Stotsenberg, was authorized by General MacArthur to take a party of volunteers and infiltrate through enemy lines to establish a spy station in the Zambales Mountains above Clark Field. Thorp and his men observed Japanese activity on Clark Field and radioed reports of Japanese bombers taking off to attack Bataan and Corregidor. Thorp was also authorized to organize Filipino guerrillas to sabotage Japanese operations. After the American surrenders of Bataan and Corregidor, he formed the LGF, the original "USAFFE guerrilla" organization in the Philippines. Luzon was divided into four areas and appointed a commander over each who was charged with recruiting guerrillas and forming an effective anti-Japanese guerrilla movement in his area of responsibility:
North Luzon Military District, Capt. Ralph Praeger until his capture in August 1943.
East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area (ECLGA), Captain Joe Barker until the Japanese captured Colonel Colonel Thorp in October 1942, then Lieutenant Edwin Ramsey.
Western Luzon Guerrilla Area, Captain Ralph McGuire until he was killed in April 1943, then Captain Gualberto Sia (aka Ernest Neuman).
Southern Luzon, Captain Jack Spies. However, Spies was killed on his way to South Luzon, and this part of the organization never materialized.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Alabama.
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