THE WALL OF FACES

Richard George Barnard
Date of birth: 30-Nov-37
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Rochester New York
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Richard George Barnard (ASN: RA-12471352), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Barnard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 December 1968 as a platoon leader at a fire support base near Tay Ninh City. Shortly after midnight a regimental-size Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army force hit the camp with a devastating mortar, rocket-propelled grenade and rocket attack, followed by human wave assaults. The communists centered their drive against the section of the perimeter manned by Sergeant Barnard's company and succeeded in seizing five of its bunkers. Realizing that the base was in danger of being overrun, Sergeant Barnard unhesitatingly volunteered to lead an attempt to oust the aggressors from these positions. By placing effective fire with his rifle and hurling fragmentation grenades, he killed the enemy troops in four of the fortifications. As he fearlessly assaulted the last stronghold, he was mortally wounded by the fierce hostile fire. Sergeant First Class Barnard's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 628 (February 20, 1969)

Action Date: 22-Dec-68

Service: Army

Rank: Sergeant First Class

Company: Company C

Battalion: 4th Battalion

Regiment: 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade

Division: 25th Infantry Division

Sergeant First Class Richard George Barnard, Served with Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

that night was hell, alot of noise and bombs going off. just know that the next morning after an hour sleep we got up and saw how close the VC were.
Didn't know until 2000, at our 4/9 manchu's reunion how close to dieing i was
and how he saved us that night. was told this by richard captain,
he knew what went on that night and told me all about how richard had saved us
C and B companies. thank you and i will all ways remember you, and what you did that night.

DEAR SERGEANT 1ST CLASS BARNARD,
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A GRUNT. WATCH OVER OUR NATION. VETERANS' DAY JUST PASSED - SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER AND HONOR ALL OF YOU. THANKSGIVING IS APPROACHING. WE GIVE THANKS FOR YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS GUIDE YOU. REST IN PEACE.

I was a infant when I met you, but I remember my dad James T. Barnard always telling me stories about you and keeping your memory alive. I am PROUD to be your niece, I will always remember you and will love you always, My cousin is going to try to get a family tree going to see our cousins, and we can have a family reunion. I LOVE YOU UNCLE RICHARD......