World War II Honoree

David Barbour Barton

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Mercer, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel. Attended West Point, United States Military Academy, ‘USMA’, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon his graduation. Served in the European Theater of Operations as Commander of the 36th Signal Company, an element of the 36th Infantry ‘Arrowhead’ Division attached to the United States Fifth Army. Killed in Action Saturday, June 3, 1944 during the assault and capture of Velletri, Italy and buried in the Nettuno Battlefield Cemetery in Italy. After the cessation of hostilities in Europe, his remains were transferred to the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery located at Nettuno, Italy. Decorations and Citations: Recipient of the Silver Star and Purple Heart posthumously. The Silver Star was awarded to the Colonel for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of the 36th Signal Company. The Purple Heart awarded to this American Patriot, who so gallantly gave his life for his country.