11-199 Garand Picture of the Day - Chosin Reservoir

[Mark in Rochester]

Small quiz - who is he and what did he do

Information

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[browningautorifle]

William E Barber 2Bn 7Marines 1st Marine Div. Chosin Res, BARBER, WILLIAM E.

Captain U.S. Marine Corps, commanding officer, Company F, 2d Battalion 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Chosin Reservoir area, Korea, 28 November to 2 December 1950. Entered service at: West Liberty, Ky. Born: 30 November 1919, Dehart, Ky. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Company F in action against enemy aggressor forces. Assigned to defend a 3-mile mountain pass along the division's main supply line and commanding the only route of approach in the march from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri, Capt. Barber took position with his battle-weary troops and, before nightfall, had dug in and set up a defense along the frozen, snow-covered hillside. When a force of estimated regimental strength savagely attacked during the night, inflicting heavy casualties and finally surrounding his position following a bitterly fought 7-hour conflict, Capt. Barber, after repulsing the enemy gave assurance that he could hold if supplied by airdrops and requested permission to stand fast when orders were received by radio to fight his way back to a relieving force after 2 reinforcing units had been driven back under fierce resistance in their attempts to reach the isolated troops. Aware that leaving the position would sever contact with the 8,000 marines trapped at Yudam-ni and jeopardize their chances of joining the 3,000 more awaiting their arrival in Hagaru-ri for the continued drive to the sea, he chose to risk loss of his command rather than sacrifice more men if the enemy seized control and forced a renewed battle to regain the position, or abandon his many wounded who were unable to walk. Although severely wounded in the leg in the early morning of the 29th, Capt. Barber continued to maintain personal control, often moving up and down the lines on a stretcher to direct the defense and consistently encouraging and inspiring his men to supreme efforts despite the staggering opposition. Waging desperate battle throughout 5 days and 6 nights of repeated onslaughts launched by the fanatical aggressors, he and his heroic command accounted for approximately 1,000 enemy dead in this epic stand in bitter subzero weather, and when the company was relieved only 82 of his original 220 men were able to walk away from the position so valiantly defended against insuperable odds. His profound faith and courage, great personal valor, and unwavering fortitude were decisive factors in the successful withdrawal of the division from the deathtrap in the Chosin Reservoir sector and reflect the highest credit upon Capt. Barber, his intrepid officers and men, and the U.S. Naval Service.

Or am I wrong here?

[Mark in Rochester]

Or am I wrong here?

No you are spot on

[browningautorifle]

I love reading the dispatches from these bravery awards. Men's - men. If only to be able to stand in a room with a dozen of these men. It would be so refreshing after the class of people you stand amongst in...Starbucks for instance.

[Bob Seijas]

Read "The Last Stand of Fox Company" by Drury and Clavin if you want the whole fantastic story. It is one of the greatest feats of arms in American history. I recently wrote up the story of Hector Cafferata who also was awarded the MOH for that battle ... his CO said, "I am personally convinced that Hector accounted for over 100 of the enemy on that first night, but I was afraid it would not be believed so cut it down to 35." The citation said, "More than 15." Go here: http://www.montvillenj.org/docs/GCAJournalCafferata.pdf