During World War II, Van Barfoot’s remarkable courage and heroism on the battlefield distinguished him from others. Facing a large force of German soldiers and formidable Tiger tanks, the US Army technical sergeant firmly stood his ground and is now celebrated as one of America’s most beloved war heroes.
Van Barfoot’s early life and upbringing
Van Barfoot was born on June 15, 1919, in Edinburg, Mississippi. Although he had Choctaw heritage through his grandmother, his parents did not formally enroll him with the Choctaw Nation. His early years were deeply influenced by his upbringing on a cotton plantation, which led him to enlist in the US Army in 1940.
After completing basic training, Barfoot joined the 1st Infantry Division, serving in Louisiana and Puerto Rico. He was later transferred to the Headquarters Amphibious Force Atlantic Fleet in Quantico, Virginia. When this unit was disbanded in 1943, Barfoot continued his service in WWII with the 157th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division.
Becoming a hero in Italy
Leading his division, Van Barfoot played a key role in several engagements near Sicily from 1943-44. Participating in significant offensives during the Italian Campaign – the Allied invasions of Sicily and Italy and the Battle of Anzio – he became familiar with the challenging terrain.
On May 23, 1944, then-tech. Sgt. Barfoot demonstrated immense bravery when his unit reached the town of Carano, in southern Italy. Acting alone, he navigated a German minefield, encountering enemy forces. Single-handedly, he neutralized two machine gun positions, throwing a hand grenade at one and compelling the surrender of the other. In the ensuing skirmish, he captured 17 German soldiers and took out another eight.
Barfoot faced another challenge when three Tiger I tanks were dispatched by the Germans later that day. Using a bazooka, he disabled the first and swiftly dispatched its crew using a Thompson submachine gun. Witnessing what had happened to their comrades, the other two tanks altered their course.
Following their withdrawal, Barfoot dismantled an abandoned artillery piece and rescued two injured American soldiers.
For his extraordinary actions, Barfoot was awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation reads, “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.”
Service in Korea and Vietnam
After WWII, Van Barfoot continued his service with the US Army, participating in the wars in both Korea and Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. After finishing flight training in 1960, he was fully qualified for this position. Between 1967 and 1968, he accumulated 177 combat hours.
In addition to being awarded the Medal of Honor, Barfoot received three Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, two Legions of Merit, and 11 Air Medals. By the time of his retirement from the Army, he had achieved the rank of colonel.
Van Barfoot and the issues with his flagpole
At 90 years old, Van Barfoot resided in Henrico County, Virginia. As Veterans Day approached, the retired military man decided to install a 21-foot flagpole on his property. Despite the absence of any bylaws prohibiting flagpoles, the local Homeowners Association (HOA) opposed the plan on the grounds of “aesthetic concerns.”
The dispute between Barfoot and the HOA quickly attracted national attention, with Fox News airing a segment that underscored the perceived absurdity of the situation. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Jim Webb (D-VA) expressed their support for the Army veteran, and White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs publicly backed Barfoot.
Incredibly, within a week, the HOA retracted its complaint.
Van Barfoot’s death and legacy
Van Barfoot passed away on March 2, 2012. According to his daughter, the 92-year-old had fallen in front of his home, resulting in a skull fracture that led to a brain bleed.
The segment of Mississippi Highway 16 passing through Barfoot’s hometown has been designated the “Van T. Barfoot Medal of Honor Highway,” while a building at McGuire Veterans Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, bears his name in tribute. In May 2022, it was disclosed that Fort Pickett, Virginia, would be rechristened as Fort Barfoot, aligning with the ongoing initiative to rename structures previously dedicated to members of the Confederate Army.
More from us: Mary Edwards Walker: The Only Woman to Receive the Medal of Honor
New! Want to become a trivia master? Sign up for our War History Fact of the Day newsletter!
The portion of Mississippi Highway 16 that runs through Barfoot’s hometown is called the “Van T. Barfoot Medal of Honor Highway,” and a building at McGuire Veterans Hospital in Richmond, Virginia is named in his honor. In May 2022, it was announced Fort Pickett, Virginia will be renamed Fort Barfoot, with the change having since come into effect.