For Bio:
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Harry B. Barker (MCSN: 0-8257), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, on 21 July 1944. Landing on the heavily fortified, fire-swept beachhead with the forward elements on D-Day, Captain Barker immediately moved inland to reconnoiter the area then, returning to his troops, promptly led them to the best vantage point for supporting the forward assault units. Critically wounded in the right arm by a Japanese sniper's bullet, he steadfastly refused first aid until the situation had been stabilized. Then, after having his wound dressed, he subsequently returned to his troops and personally led them in a vigorous, intensive assault against a hill vital to the advance of our forces despite withering enemy fire which swept the area. Although he was mortally wounded during the fierce action, Captain Barker, by his valiant and aggressive leadership had contributed to the success of our sustained drive toward the recapture of this important enemy stronghold, and his unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Contributor:
BarryC
CAPTAIN
US MARINE CORPS WORLD WAR II
Harry Bernard Barker enlisted in the Marine Corps 14 May, 1941 from Washington, Iowa. Assigned as an inactive reserve to the Platoon Leaders Unit, 9th Reserve Unit, NTS Great Lakes, Illinois. During June, 1941 called to active duty and assigned to I Company, Candidates Class, Marine Corps Schools, MCB Quantico, VA.
31 October, 1941 commissioned as a Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant. 1 November, 1941 assigned to Reserve Officer Class (ROC), Marine Corps Schools, MB Quantico. VA. 31 January, 1942 assigned temporary recruiting duty in Des Moines, IA.
1 April, 1942 assigned to B Company, 2nd Pioneer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, MCB Camp Elliott, CA. 16 September, 1942 assigned to HQ Company, 2nd Battalion (Pion), 19th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, MCB Camp Pendleton,CA. 7 October, 1942 promoted to 1st Lieutenant. 4 January, 1943 assigned to L Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (Rein), 3rd Marine Division.
23 January, 1943 embarked USS Mount Vernon (AP-22) at San Diego for movement overseas. 5 February, 1943 arrived at Auckland, New Zealand based at Drury. 30 April, 1943 promoted to Captain.
29 June, 1943 embarked USS American Legion (APA-17) at Auckland. 6 July, 1943 arrived at Guadalcanal based at Camp Tetere.
22 September, 1943 embarked USS Guardfish (SS-217). Assigned as Officer in Charge of a 35 man party of Army, Navy, Marines and natives inserted by rubber boat off a submarine onto Bougaiville.
23-26 September, 1943 participated in combat operations scouting off shore islands and up to five miles inland on the south west coast to report on conditions for landing the 3rd Marine Division on Bougaiville.
18 October, 1943 embarked USS Hunter Liggett (APA-14). 21-25 October, 1943 at Efate, New Hebrides. 1 November, 194landed Red Beach One Bougainville D-Day and participated in combat operations until 27 December, 1943. 30 December, 1943 arrived at Camp Tetere, Guadalcanal.
1 June, 1944 embarked USS LST-269 at Guadalcanal. 6-10 June, 1944 at Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. 29 June-15 July, 1944 at Eniwetok, Marshall Islands. Killed in Action during D-Day operations at Blue Beach Guam 21 July, 1944.
Awarded the Navy Cross (Postumously).
Next of Kin: Parents, Mr Harry L and Mrs Elizabeth R Barker, Washington, Iowa.
Initially buried in Row 1, Grave 5, 9th Marines Field Cemetery. 11 August, 1944 reinterred Plot A, Row 19, Grave 13 in USAF Cemetery Guam 3, Agana, Guam.
10 March, 1950 permanent burial in St Joseph's Cemetery, What Cheer, Iowa.
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Harry B. Barker (MCSN: 0-8257), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, on 21 July 1944. Landing on the heavily fortified, fire-swept beachhead with the forward elements on D-Day, Captain Barker immediately moved inland to reconnoiter the area then, returning to his troops, promptly led them to the best vantage point for supporting the forward assault units. Critically wounded in the right arm by a Japanese sniper's bullet, he steadfastly refused first aid until the situation had been stabilized. Then, after having his wound dressed, he subsequently returned to his troops and personally led them in a vigorous, intensive assault against a hill vital to the advance of our forces despite withering enemy fire which swept the area. Although he was mortally wounded during the fierce action, Captain Barker, by his valiant and aggressive leadership had contributed to the success of our sustained drive toward the recapture of this important enemy stronghold, and his unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Contributor:
BarryC
CAPTAIN
US MARINE CORPS WORLD WAR II
Harry Bernard Barker enlisted in the Marine Corps 14 May, 1941 from Washington, Iowa. Assigned as an inactive reserve to the Platoon Leaders Unit, 9th Reserve Unit, NTS Great Lakes, Illinois. During June, 1941 called to active duty and assigned to I Company, Candidates Class, Marine Corps Schools, MCB Quantico, VA.
31 October, 1941 commissioned as a Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant. 1 November, 1941 assigned to Reserve Officer Class (ROC), Marine Corps Schools, MB Quantico. VA. 31 January, 1942 assigned temporary recruiting duty in Des Moines, IA.
1 April, 1942 assigned to B Company, 2nd Pioneer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, MCB Camp Elliott, CA. 16 September, 1942 assigned to HQ Company, 2nd Battalion (Pion), 19th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, MCB Camp Pendleton,CA. 7 October, 1942 promoted to 1st Lieutenant. 4 January, 1943 assigned to L Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (Rein), 3rd Marine Division.
23 January, 1943 embarked USS Mount Vernon (AP-22) at San Diego for movement overseas. 5 February, 1943 arrived at Auckland, New Zealand based at Drury. 30 April, 1943 promoted to Captain.
29 June, 1943 embarked USS American Legion (APA-17) at Auckland. 6 July, 1943 arrived at Guadalcanal based at Camp Tetere.
22 September, 1943 embarked USS Guardfish (SS-217). Assigned as Officer in Charge of a 35 man party of Army, Navy, Marines and natives inserted by rubber boat off a submarine onto Bougaiville.
23-26 September, 1943 participated in combat operations scouting off shore islands and up to five miles inland on the south west coast to report on conditions for landing the 3rd Marine Division on Bougaiville.
18 October, 1943 embarked USS Hunter Liggett (APA-14). 21-25 October, 1943 at Efate, New Hebrides. 1 November, 194landed Red Beach One Bougainville D-Day and participated in combat operations until 27 December, 1943. 30 December, 1943 arrived at Camp Tetere, Guadalcanal.
1 June, 1944 embarked USS LST-269 at Guadalcanal. 6-10 June, 1944 at Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. 29 June-15 July, 1944 at Eniwetok, Marshall Islands. Killed in Action during D-Day operations at Blue Beach Guam 21 July, 1944.
Awarded the Navy Cross (Postumously).
Next of Kin: Parents, Mr Harry L and Mrs Elizabeth R Barker, Washington, Iowa.
Initially buried in Row 1, Grave 5, 9th Marines Field Cemetery. 11 August, 1944 reinterred Plot A, Row 19, Grave 13 in USAF Cemetery Guam 3, Agana, Guam.
10 March, 1950 permanent burial in St Joseph's Cemetery, What Cheer, Iowa.
For Bio:
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Harry B. Barker (MCSN: 0-8257), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, on 21 July 1944. Landing on the heavily fortified, fire-swept beachhead with the forward elements on D-Day, Captain Barker immediately moved inland to reconnoiter the area then, returning to his troops, promptly led them to the best vantage point for supporting the forward assault units. Critically wounded in the right arm by a Japanese sniper's bullet, he steadfastly refused first aid until the situation had been stabilized. Then, after having his wound dressed, he subsequently returned to his troops and personally led them in a vigorous, intensive assault against a hill vital to the advance of our forces despite withering enemy fire which swept the area. Although he was mortally wounded during the fierce action, Captain Barker, by his valiant and aggressive leadership had contributed to the success of our sustained drive toward the recapture of this important enemy stronghold, and his unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Contributor:
BarryC
CAPTAIN
US MARINE CORPS WORLD WAR II
Harry Bernard Barker enlisted in the Marine Corps 14 May, 1941 from Washington, Iowa. Assigned as an inactive reserve to the Platoon Leaders Unit, 9th Reserve Unit, NTS Great Lakes, Illinois. During June, 1941 called to active duty and assigned to I Company, Candidates Class, Marine Corps Schools, MCB Quantico, VA.
31 October, 1941 commissioned as a Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant. 1 November, 1941 assigned to Reserve Officer Class (ROC), Marine Corps Schools, MB Quantico. VA. 31 January, 1942 assigned temporary recruiting duty in Des Moines, IA.
1 April, 1942 assigned to B Company, 2nd Pioneer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, MCB Camp Elliott, CA. 16 September, 1942 assigned to HQ Company, 2nd Battalion (Pion), 19th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, MCB Camp Pendleton,CA. 7 October, 1942 promoted to 1st Lieutenant. 4 January, 1943 assigned to L Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (Rein), 3rd Marine Division.
23 January, 1943 embarked USS Mount Vernon (AP-22) at San Diego for movement overseas. 5 February, 1943 arrived at Auckland, New Zealand based at Drury. 30 April, 1943 promoted to Captain.
29 June, 1943 embarked USS American Legion (APA-17) at Auckland. 6 July, 1943 arrived at Guadalcanal based at Camp Tetere.
22 September, 1943 embarked USS Guardfish (SS-217). Assigned as Officer in Charge of a 35 man party of Army, Navy, Marines and natives inserted by rubber boat off a submarine onto Bougaiville.
23-26 September, 1943 participated in combat operations scouting off shore islands and up to five miles inland on the south west coast to report on conditions for landing the 3rd Marine Division on Bougaiville.
18 October, 1943 embarked USS Hunter Liggett (APA-14). 21-25 October, 1943 at Efate, New Hebrides. 1 November, 194landed Red Beach One Bougainville D-Day and participated in combat operations until 27 December, 1943. 30 December, 1943 arrived at Camp Tetere, Guadalcanal.
1 June, 1944 embarked USS LST-269 at Guadalcanal. 6-10 June, 1944 at Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. 29 June-15 July, 1944 at Eniwetok, Marshall Islands. Killed in Action during D-Day operations at Blue Beach Guam 21 July, 1944.
Awarded the Navy Cross (Postumously).
Next of Kin: Parents, Mr Harry L and Mrs Elizabeth R Barker, Washington, Iowa.
Initially buried in Row 1, Grave 5, 9th Marines Field Cemetery. 11 August, 1944 reinterred Plot A, Row 19, Grave 13 in USAF Cemetery Guam 3, Agana, Guam.
10 March, 1950 permanent burial in St Joseph's Cemetery, What Cheer, Iowa.
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Harry B. Barker (MCSN: 0-8257), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, on 21 July 1944. Landing on the heavily fortified, fire-swept beachhead with the forward elements on D-Day, Captain Barker immediately moved inland to reconnoiter the area then, returning to his troops, promptly led them to the best vantage point for supporting the forward assault units. Critically wounded in the right arm by a Japanese sniper's bullet, he steadfastly refused first aid until the situation had been stabilized. Then, after having his wound dressed, he subsequently returned to his troops and personally led them in a vigorous, intensive assault against a hill vital to the advance of our forces despite withering enemy fire which swept the area. Although he was mortally wounded during the fierce action, Captain Barker, by his valiant and aggressive leadership had contributed to the success of our sustained drive toward the recapture of this important enemy stronghold, and his unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Contributor:
BarryC
CAPTAIN
US MARINE CORPS WORLD WAR II
Harry Bernard Barker enlisted in the Marine Corps 14 May, 1941 from Washington, Iowa. Assigned as an inactive reserve to the Platoon Leaders Unit, 9th Reserve Unit, NTS Great Lakes, Illinois. During June, 1941 called to active duty and assigned to I Company, Candidates Class, Marine Corps Schools, MCB Quantico, VA.
31 October, 1941 commissioned as a Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant. 1 November, 1941 assigned to Reserve Officer Class (ROC), Marine Corps Schools, MB Quantico. VA. 31 January, 1942 assigned temporary recruiting duty in Des Moines, IA.
1 April, 1942 assigned to B Company, 2nd Pioneer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, MCB Camp Elliott, CA. 16 September, 1942 assigned to HQ Company, 2nd Battalion (Pion), 19th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, MCB Camp Pendleton,CA. 7 October, 1942 promoted to 1st Lieutenant. 4 January, 1943 assigned to L Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (Rein), 3rd Marine Division.
23 January, 1943 embarked USS Mount Vernon (AP-22) at San Diego for movement overseas. 5 February, 1943 arrived at Auckland, New Zealand based at Drury. 30 April, 1943 promoted to Captain.
29 June, 1943 embarked USS American Legion (APA-17) at Auckland. 6 July, 1943 arrived at Guadalcanal based at Camp Tetere.
22 September, 1943 embarked USS Guardfish (SS-217). Assigned as Officer in Charge of a 35 man party of Army, Navy, Marines and natives inserted by rubber boat off a submarine onto Bougaiville.
23-26 September, 1943 participated in combat operations scouting off shore islands and up to five miles inland on the south west coast to report on conditions for landing the 3rd Marine Division on Bougaiville.
18 October, 1943 embarked USS Hunter Liggett (APA-14). 21-25 October, 1943 at Efate, New Hebrides. 1 November, 194landed Red Beach One Bougainville D-Day and participated in combat operations until 27 December, 1943. 30 December, 1943 arrived at Camp Tetere, Guadalcanal.
1 June, 1944 embarked USS LST-269 at Guadalcanal. 6-10 June, 1944 at Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. 29 June-15 July, 1944 at Eniwetok, Marshall Islands. Killed in Action during D-Day operations at Blue Beach Guam 21 July, 1944.
Awarded the Navy Cross (Postumously).
Next of Kin: Parents, Mr Harry L and Mrs Elizabeth R Barker, Washington, Iowa.
Initially buried in Row 1, Grave 5, 9th Marines Field Cemetery. 11 August, 1944 reinterred Plot A, Row 19, Grave 13 in USAF Cemetery Guam 3, Agana, Guam.
10 March, 1950 permanent burial in St Joseph's Cemetery, What Cheer, Iowa.
Bio by: Cape Gloucester
Inscription
IOWA
CAPT 9 MARINES 3 MAR DIV
WORLD WAR II
KILLED ON GUAM
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
