World War II Honoree

Harold Barsh

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

New York City, New York

Honored By

95th Division Association

CAPTAIN, UNITED STATES ARMY DENTAL CORPS. HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 95TH INFANTRY DIVISION, 320TH MEDICAL BATTALION, 379TH MEDICAL DETACHMENT. HE PARTICIPATED IN COMBAT MEDICAL OPERATIONS NEAR THE MOSELLE BRIDGEHEAD SECTOR IN FRANCE IN 1944. DURING THE BATTLE THE DIVISION CAPTURED THE STRATEGIC GERMAN HELD FORTS THAT SURROUNDED THE CITY OF METZ. DURING THE FIGHT FROM 17 TO 20 NOVEMBER 1944, HE TOOK COMMAND OF THE 379TH MEDICAL DETACHMENT DURING A CRITICAL POINT IN THE BATTLE WHEN THE REGIMENTAL SURGEON WAS DISPATCHED ELSEWHERE. FOR HIS EFFORTS AND LEADERSHIP HE WAS AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL AS WELL AS THE COMBAT MEDICAL BADGE. HIS OTHER DECORATIONS INCLUDE THE AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH THREE BRONZE STARS, AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HE ALSO RECEIVED A COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL FROM THE GRATEFUL PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF METZ, AWARDED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE DIVISION AS A THANK YOU FOR THEIR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE.