During the Second World War, Van Barfoot’s bravery and courage on the battlefield were particularly remarkable. Confronted with numerous German soldiers and formidable Tiger tanks, the US Army technical sergeant remained resolute, solidifying his status as one of the most respected American heroes of the conflict.
Van Barfoot’s early life and upbringing
Van Barfoot was born on June 15, 1919, in Edinburg, Mississippi. Despite his Choctaw heritage from his grandmother, his parents never officially registered him with the Choctaw Nation. Raised on a cotton plantation, his early years were shaped by this environment, and he chose to enlist in the US Army in 1940.
After completing basic training, Barfoot joined the 1st Infantry Division, serving in both Louisiana and Puerto Rico. He was later assigned to the Headquarters Amphibious Force Atlantic Fleet in Quantico, Virginia. When the unit was disbanded in 1943, Barfoot continued his service in WWII with the 157th Infantry Regiment, 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 to serve with the US Army in both Korea and Vietnam, where he served as a helicopter pilot. Having completed flight training in 1960, he was qualified to take on this role. From 1967-68, he amassed 177 combat hours.
In addition to receiving the Medal of Honor, Barfoot was honored with three Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, two Legions of Merit and 11 Air Medals. Upon his retirement from the Army, he’d achieved the rank of colonel.
Van Barfoot and the issues with his flagpole
At the age of 90, Van Barfoot was living in Henrico County, Virginia. With Veterans Day approaching, the retired soldier decided to erect a 21-foot flagpole on his property. However, the local Homeowners Association (HOA) objected to this, citing “aesthetic reasons,” despite no bylaws prohibiting flagpoles.
Barfoot’s dispute with the HOA quickly garnered national attention. Fox News aired a segment that highlighted the perceived absurdity of the situation, and the Army veteran received support from Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Jim Webb (D-VA). White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs also publicly voiced his backing of Barfoot.
Remarkably, within just 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.
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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.
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