Born: June 20, 1945
War: Vietnam
Rank: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Location of Action: Near Con Thein
Date of Action: September 21, 1967
Official Medal of Honor Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with
Company F.
During a reconnaissance operation L/Cpl. Barker's squad was suddenly hit by enemy sniper
fire. The squad immediately deployed to a combat formation and advanced to a strongly
fortified enemy position, when it was again struck by small arms and automatic weapons fire,
sustaining numerous casualties. Although wounded by the initial burst of fire,
L/Cpl. Barker boldly remained in the open, delivering a devastating volume of accurate fire
on the numerically superior force.
The enemy was intent upon annihilating the small marine force and, realizing
that L/Cpl. Barker was a threat to their position, directed the preponderance of their
fire on his position. He was again wounded, this time in the right hand, which prevented him
from operating his vitally needed machine gun.
Suddenly and without warning, an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the few surviving marines.
Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety, L/Cpl. Barker threw
himself upon the deadly grenade, absorbing with his body the full and tremendous force
of the explosion.
In a final act of bravery, he crawled to the side of a wounded comrade and administered
first aid before succumbing to his grievous wounds.
His bold initiative, intrepid fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the
face of almost certain death undoubtedly saved his comrades from further injury or
possible death and reflected great credit upon himself, the
Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
JEDH COLBY BARKER
