MEDAL OF HONOR: Leading an Attack With My Colt .45 | Harvey C. Barnum Jr.

Video Description

Harvey “Barney” Barnum Jr. was born in Cheshire, Connecticut, and graduated from St. Anselm College, where joined the Marine Corps’ Platoon Leaders Class program. As a 1st lieutenant in Vietnam, he was leading a unit was pinned down by heavy and accurate enemy fire that killed his company commander and radio operator. Barnum first gave aid to his dying commander and then, taking command himself, moved into the midst of heavy fire, encouraging and reorganizing his fellow Marines before leading their attack on the enemy. Exposing himself to enemy fire, he brandished a .45 caliber handgun and told his troops to follow him on a successful counterattack. For this action Barnum recieved the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for military valor in combat, in 1967. The citation reads, “His gallant initiative and heroic conduct reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.” Barnum later became the first Medal of Honor recipient in Vietnam to return for another tour. Interview recorded on May 2, 2025 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Join the Code of Support Foundation in honoring those who have worn the uniform for our freedoms by signing the Code of six simple promises to stand with those that stood for us. https://www.codeofsupport.org/the-code-of-support/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- Support the American Veterans Center's mission to preserve the legacy and history of our heroes by making a tax-deductible donation today: https://americanveteranscenter.org/donation-form/ Learn more about the American Veterans Center: http://www.americanveteranscenter.org/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americanveteranscenter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AVCupdate Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanveteranscenter/ Subscribe to the Veterans Chronicles podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/americanveteranscenter?sid=youtubedescription ---------------------------------------------------------------- Video Credits: Interviewer - Greg Corombos Director of Photography - Caleb Hargett Editor - Daniel Taksas