Colonel Barfoot was also in the news for fighting his condominium neighborhood association for the right to fly his American flag in his front yard. He was 92.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society announces that Colonel Van T. Barfoot, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Friday, March 2, 2012 in Richmond, Virginia at age 92.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor by Lt. Gen. Alexander M. Patch III in Epinal, France, on September 28, 1944.
His heroic action occurred near Carano, Italy on May 23, 1944. Army Technical Sergeant Barfoot served as a Platoon Sergeant, 45th Infantry Division, 3d Platoon, Company L 3d Battalion, 157th Infantry.
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. 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.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/medal-of-honor-recipient-van-t-barfoot-passes-away-at-92-2012-03-02
This amazing guy never gave an inch and fought the Sussex neighborhood association as fiercely as he did in war. They never had a chance.
RIP, Colonel.
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