Pennsylvania Veterans Museum

Marine Monday - Col William E. Barber It's #MarineMonday and today, in recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign, we are highlighting... Colonel William E. Barber, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the bitter cold campaign in Korea in November and December 1950. A captain at the time, he led his company in a desperate five-day defense of a frozen mountain pass vital to the 1st Marine Division's breakout to the sea. Read his full citation here: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain William Earl Barber, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty and without detriment to the mission of his command in combat with the enemy in Korea, from 28 November to 2 December 1950, as Company Commander of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near the Chosin Reservoir, in North Korea. Assigned to defend a three-mile mountain pass along the division's main supply line and commanding the only route of approach in the march from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri, Captain Barber took position with his battle-weary troops and, before nightfall, had dug in and set up a defense along the frozen, snow-covered hillside. When a force of estimated regimental strength savagely attacked during the night, inflicting heavy casualties and finally surrounding his position following a bitterly fought seven-hour conflict, Captain Barber, after repulsing the enemy gave assurance that he could hold if supplied by airdrops and requested permission to stand fast when orders were received by radio to fight his way back to a relieving force after two reinforcing units had been driven back under fierce resistance in their attempts to reach the isolated troops. Aware that leaving the position would sever contact with the 8,000 Marines trapped at Yudam-ni and jeopardize their chances of joining the 3,000 more awaiting their arrival in Hagaru-ri for the continued drive to the sea, he chose to risk loss of his command rather than sacrifice more men if the enemy seized control and forced a renewed battle to regain the position, or abandon his many wounded who were unable to walk. Although severely wounded in the leg in the early morning of the 29th, Captain Barber continued to maintain personal control, often moving up and down the lines on a stretcher to direct the defense and consistently encouraging and inspiring his men to supreme efforts despite the staggering opposition. Waging desperate battle throughout five days and six nights of repeated onslaughts launched by the fanatical aggressors, he and his heroic command accounted for approximately 1,000 enemy dead in this epic stand in bitter subzero weather, and when the company was relieved only two of his original 220 men were able to walk away from the position so valiantly defended against insuperable odds. His profound faith and courage, great personal valor, and unwavering fortitude were decisive factors in the successful withdrawal of the division from the deathtrap in the Chosin Reservoir sector and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Barber, his intrepid officers and men, and the United States Naval Service. Barber's actions are highlighted in our Chosin Reservoir Campaign immersive exhibit. You can view it online here: http://www.virtualusmcmuseum.com/Korea_5.asp

Happy 245th Birthday U.S. Marine Corps! Leathernecks, Jarheads, Teufel Hunden, Devil Dogs. #SemperFidelis #SemperFiDoOrDie #Oorah

On November 11th, 1921, the third anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that effectively ended the Great World War, politicians, diplomats, military comma...nders, decorated veterans, and countless dignitaries gathered at Arlington National Cemetery for the burial ceremony of the Unknown Soldier. Among those who spoke on that occasion was a chief of the indigenous Crow Nation named Plenty Coups. Plenty Coups had been a warrior in his youth, and also spent a lot of time in Washington D.C. lobbying Congress on behalf of his people. Because of his renown, he was asked to speak at the burial service for the Unknown Soldier. With his voice being sent out to the nation in one of the first mass-radio broadcasts, Plenty Coups praised the warrior spirit, and promised that the Crow Nation always would send their sons to fight the enemies of the United States of America. He then honored the Unknown Soldier by placing both his bonnet and his coup stick - the symbols of a great warrior - on top of the Tomb. These items have been preserved and still are in the possession of Arlington National Cemetery. Plenty Coups died in 1932, having spent his life in the service of his people. ~*~ "I hear the white men say there will be no more war. But this cannot be true. There will be other wars. Men have not changed, and whenever they quarrel they will fight, as they have always done." ~ Alaxchíia Ahú/Plenty Coups

Happy 245th Birthday to the United States Navy! From all of us crew aboard the Cruiser OLYMPIA, we sincerely thank the Navy and the personnel that make up its ranks for all that they have done throughout history!