World War II Honoree

Lester Herman Barto

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Honored By

Mallorie Barker

Relationship

Daughter

SERGEANT. LANDED IN NORMANDY, OMAHA BEACH ON D-DAY AS PART OF THE 8TH INFANTRY, WENT ON TO PARTS OF NORTHERN FRANCE, LUXEMBOURG AND THE RHINELAND. LEADER OF A 5-MAN MORTAR SQUAD. RESPONSIBLE FOR EMPLACEMENT OF THE GUN, SELECTING TARGETS, AND SUPERVISING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ON THE GUN. RECEIVED THREE BATTLE STARS, BRONZE STAR, NUMEROUS MEDALS AND THE PURPLE HEART. WOUNDED IN ACTION IN FEBRUARY 1945 IN GERMANY.