Title: Lt. Harvey C. Barnum Honored with Medal of Honor and Guided Missile Destroyer Named After Him
Lt. Harvey C. Barnum, an artillery forward observer, was recently awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor for his extraordinary actions during a battle in Vietnam on December 18, 1965. In a search and destroy mission, Company H of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines unexpectedly came under attack from North Vietnamese forces. Isolated and surrounded by open ground, the marines faced intense enemy fire.
Despite being in Vietnam for only two weeks, Lt. Barnum, at the time a young officer, took charge and led his comrades to safety. Displaying exceptional courage and leadership, he organized his marines and successfully led them in a counterattack. Risking his own life, Lt. Barnum repeatedly ran into enemy fire to save fallen comrades and call for reinforcements.
Due to his remarkable heroism, Lt. Barnum was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1967. His courageous actions inspired others, leading to the subsequent christening of a guided missile destroyer named the USS Harvey C. Barnum (DDG-124) in his honor. During a special ceremony at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Lt. Barnum’s wife had the privilege of breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the ship’s bow.
Born in Cheshire, Connecticut, in 1940, Lt. Barnum graduated from high school in 1958. He went on to join the Marine Corps ROTC at Saint Anselm College and became an officer by 1962. Just two weeks into his temporary assignment in Vietnam, Lt. Barnum found himself in the midst of combat.
Pinned down and cut off from the battalion, Lt. Barnum fearlessly coordinated his unit and managed to secure two helicopters for evacuation, despite adverse weather conditions. Leading his marines, they successfully cleared a landing zone and reached the relative safety of a nearby village. His heroic actions during this critical battle placed him in the spotlight, and his fellow marines credit their teamwork and bravery for their success.
After his tour in Vietnam, Lt. Barnum decided to return for a full tour in 1968, further demonstrating his dedication to his country. He eventually retired from the Marine Corps in 1989, leaving behind a legacy of valor and leadership.
Now, in 2016, Lt. Barnum stands humbled by the news of a guided missile destroyer being named after him. He modestly attributes his courageous actions to the bravery and teamwork displayed by his fellow marines and corpsmen.
Lt. Harvey C. Barnum’s heroism and selflessness reflect the unwavering commitment of the American armed forces. The USS Harvey C. Barnum serves as a testament to his lasting impact, symbolizing the bravery and sacrifice of all those who serve in the United States military.
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