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Freeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Van Thomas Barfoot ~ 10 August 09
Serving The Best Troops And Veterans In The World!! | The Canteen Crew

Posted on 08/09/2009 5:00:00 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska


Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!
 
For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces.
 
Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today!
 
 
~ Hall of Heroes ~

Van Thomas Barfoot
Story from this website.

ArmyPatch small   NavySeal small   Air Force Seal   Marines Seal small   Coast Guard Seal small (better)
Van T. Barfoot (born June 15, 1919) is a retired United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.
Barfoot was born on June 15, 1919, in Edinburg, Mississippi. His grandmother was Choctaw, but Barfoot himself was never an official member of the Choctaw Nation; although he was eligible, his parents had never enrolled him.

After enlisting in the Army from Carthage, Mississippi, in 1940 and completing his training, Barfoot served with the 1st Infantry Division in Louisiana and Puerto Rico. In December 1941, he was promoted to sergeant and re-assigned to the Headquarters Amphibious Force Atlantic Fleet in Quantico, Virginia, which he served with until it was deactivated in 1943. He next joined the 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, and was sent to Europe.

As part of the Italian Campaign, Barfoot participated in a series of amphibious landings: the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943, the invasion of mainland Italy at Salerno in September, and finally the landings at Anzio in late January 1944. His unit pushed inland from Anzio, and by May 1944 had reached the town of Carano. There they set up defensive positions and, for several weeks, Barfoot conducted patrols to scout the German lines. When his company was ordered to attack on the morning of May 23, Barfoot, now a technical sergeant, asked for permission to lead a squad. Because of the patrols he had conducted, he knew the layout of the terrain and the minefield which lay in front of the German position. He advanced alone through the minefield, following ditches and depressions, until he came within a few yards of a machine gun on the German flank. After destroying the gun with a hand grenade,
he entered the German trench and advanced on a second machine gun, killing two soldiers and capturing three others. When he reached a third gun, the entire crew surrendered. After clearing the area, Barfoot had captured a total of seventeen German soldiers.

When the Germans launched an armored counterattack later in the day, Barfoot disabled one tank with a bazooka, advanced into enemy-held territory, and destroyed an abandoned German artillery piece. He then returned to his own lines and helped two wounded soldiers from his squad to the rear.

Barfoot was subsequently commissioned as a second lieutenant. His unit moved into France and by September was serving in the Rhone valley. It was there that Barfoot learned he would be awarded the Medal of Honor. He chose to have the presentation ceremony in the field, rather than in the United States, so that his soldiers could attend. He was formally presented with the medal on September 28, 1944, in Épinal, France, by Lieutenant General Alexander Patch.

Barfoot reached the rank of colonel before retiring from the Army.
Second Lieutenant Barfoot's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944, near Carano, Italy. With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt. Barfoot (then Tech. Sgt.) moved off alone upon the enemy left flank. He crawled to the proximity of 1 machinegun nest and made a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3 Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another machinegun emplacement, and with his tommygun killed 2 and captured 3 soldiers. Members of another enemy machinegun crew then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt. Barfoot. Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up, he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area, capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17. Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and consolidated the newly captured ground, the enemy launched a fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions. Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks. From a distance of 75 yards his first shot destroyed the track of the leading tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed direction toward the flank. As the crew of the disabled tank dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun. He continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in the breech. While returning to his platoon position, Sgt. Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts, assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a position of safety. Sgt. Barfoot's extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of pointblank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers
Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; military; troopsupport
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1 posted on 08/09/2009 5:00:00 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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To: Kathy in Alaska

IN


2 posted on 08/09/2009 5:00:49 PM PDT by MS.BEHAVIN (Women who behave rarely make history)
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To: StarCMC; MoJo2001; 007; 1 FELLOW FREEPER; 11B3; 1FreeAmerican; 1stbn27; 2111USMC; 2LT Radix jr; ...
Please note: The author of the Hall of Heroes is StarCMC.
Please thank her for today’s thread.

Hall of Heroes: Van Thomas Barfoot

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT

Showing support and boosting the morale of
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and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.

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To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.

To our military readers, we remain steadfast
in keeping the Canteen doors open.

The FR Canteen is Free Republic's longest running daily thread
specifically designed to provide entertainment and moral support for the military.

The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.



NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily and on the Music Thread
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3 posted on 08/09/2009 5:07:15 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Hello Kathy in Alaska.


4 posted on 08/09/2009 5:09:03 PM PDT by LuvFreeRepublic
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To: txradioguy; tongue-tied; SoldierDad; mike1sg; Milo828; mystery-ak; CMS; The Sailor; Jet Jaguar; ...
Honoring Our Heroes

2LT Rebecca USA (Daughter U S Army EOD)
3 sons (armymarinemom and amdad)
AbnSarge USA
Allegra
aviator USAF
Brett USN (CindyDawg)
Brother and Son-in-Law (kalee)
Cannoneer No. 4
CAPT Future Snake Eater USA (RightOnline)
CAPT Jason Clendenin (friend of Frou)
Chris USA (amom)
Chuck USA (RightOnline)
COL Mike (gpapa)
CMS USA
ConorMacNessa USN USMC
David USAF (LUV W)
Defender2
Deven USA (Shimmer)
Ethan USMC (georgiabelle)
Fred (DocRock)
GulfWar1Vet USA
IS2 Brianne USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
IS2 Heather USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
Jade Falcon USN
JemiansTerror USA (Jemian)
Jet Jaguar USAF
Joel (NEMDF)
Jonathan USMC (AZbushgal)
Josh USN (doug from upland)
Karen USA (fatima's granddaughter)
Kenneth (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
Kevin USMC (skimask)
Kevin and David USA (vigilante2)
Laurita USA
LCPL Carter USMC
Lindsay (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
LT David (Coldwater Creek)
M1911A1 USMC (M0sby)
M1Tanker
Major joma89 USAF
MEG33's Navy Grandson
Michael USAR (RightOnline)
Mike1Sg USA (mystery-ak)
Milo828 USA (mystery-ak)
Nate USN (sneakers)
Old Sarge USA
OneLoyalAmerican USCG
PFC Alan USA (brother-in-law Stonewall Jackson)
PFC Dan USA (son of swmobuffalo)
PFC Jake USMC (son of Enough_Deceit)
Pvt Alex USA (son of Enough_Deceit)
Robert, Jeremy, Daynnis USA (SoldierDad)
Sat-Com Chris USA (son of KC Burke)
SGT Brian USA (repubmom)
SGT Dusty USA (MountainDad)
SGT Ev USA (Mozie)
SGT Gray USA (colorcountry’s son)
SGT Sean Reed (preed)
Son USCG (GodBlessUSA)
SPC William Akin USA (Step-son of BlueLancer)
SPC Mike USA (AbnSarge)
SSG Dustin USA (SIL U S Army EOD)
SSG Mitchel USA (tina07)
SSG Spencer USA (grame)
SSGT Don May Jr USMC (debm29palms)
SSGT John Linde USA (JFoxbear)
Terrence USN (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
The Sailor
tongue-tied USN/USA
Tonkin USN/USCG
txradioguy USA
Valerie USAF (Shimmer)
Victor and Tony D USMC (weldgophardline)
William USA (jackv)

 



5 posted on 08/09/2009 5:10:41 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are, God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

BLESS THIS HOUSE
 Bless this house O Lord we pray; Make it safe by night and day; 
Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love.
Bless these windows shining bright, Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within, keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we May dwell O Lord with thee. 
(Click on graphics for music)


6 posted on 08/09/2009 5:13:08 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

BTTT

Hi Ma!


7 posted on 08/09/2009 5:13:31 PM PDT by Jet Jaguar (Live free or die.)
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To: MS.BEHAVIN

Good evening, ms b....you be quick!! LOL!


8 posted on 08/09/2009 5:14:01 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska
I posted a link to my Myspace and Facebook profiles on my FR profile. You can see my number one military hero on either profile (my Dad). On Myspace he is easier to find, he is on the front page.
9 posted on 08/09/2009 5:14:52 PM PDT by LuvFreeRepublic
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To: Kathy in Alaska

*HUG*
Sometimes I am!
;0)


10 posted on 08/09/2009 5:15:53 PM PDT by MS.BEHAVIN (Women who behave rarely make history)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Hey all. In lieu of music tonight, I would like to request lotsa kitty pictures.


11 posted on 08/09/2009 5:16:59 PM PDT by MrEdd (Heck? Geewhiz Cripes, thats the place where people who don't believe in Gosh think they aint going.)
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To: Jet Jaguar

Good evening, JJ...((HUGS))...2 more walls??


12 posted on 08/09/2009 5:19:19 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Nope. Too much else going on. Changed the oil in the cars. Then took some stuff to the dump. Too hot to paint.

((HUGZ BACK))


13 posted on 08/09/2009 5:22:51 PM PDT by Jet Jaguar (Live free or die.)
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To: MS.BEHAVIN

Did you have a good today? ((HUGS)) I’ve been helping my folks with new computer issues...searching and seeking answers to mulitple questions. I think most are solved.


14 posted on 08/09/2009 5:23:16 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: All; laurenmarlowe


15 posted on 08/09/2009 5:26:21 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC

Thank you Kathy ‘n Star, good work as always!

Our prayers go out for those in harm’s way that we hear so little about these days but through family and friends, we know them well as well as their dedication, patriotism, perseverence, commitment to the mission and love of country, let no one doubt this.


16 posted on 08/09/2009 5:26:25 PM PDT by brushcop (SFC Sallie, CPL Long, LTHarris, SSG Brown, PVT Simmons KIA OIF lll&V, they died for you, honor them)
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To: redrock; All

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!


17 posted on 08/09/2009 5:27:10 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: All

From Xerox ~ Let's Say Thanks to our Troops

Simple. Easy. Involve your kids.
We can each send thanks every single day.


18 posted on 08/09/2009 5:29:33 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

I have done absolutely nothing all day, and enjoyed every minute of it!
Hope your folks get the computer issues solved!


19 posted on 08/09/2009 5:32:56 PM PDT by MS.BEHAVIN (Women who behave rarely make history)
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To: All


Kate Smith ~ God Bless America


20 posted on 08/09/2009 5:39:33 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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