World War II Honoree

Lowell Barker

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Fresno, California

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private. On November 19, 1942, he entered the United States Marine Corps from California, receiving his Combat Infantry Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. Deployed to the Pacific Theater of Operations where he served as a Rifleman assigned to Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment a subordinate unit of the Second Marine ‘the Silent Second’ Division. His division participated in the amphibious assault against the Japanese Imperial Army forces on the Island of Betio, ‘Battle of Tarawa’, Gilbert Islands, Code Name: Operation Galvanic. Killed in Action Saturday, November 20, 1943 on the first day of the invasion and buried in the Lone Palm Battlefield Cemetery located on Betio Island. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his family received his remains for burial, with interment at the Modesto Pioneer Cemetery in Modesto, California. Military Decorations, Purple Heart, Marine Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with One Battle Star, WWII Victory Medal and the Sharp Shooter Badge. This Marine, an American Patriot, awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, who so gallantly gave his life in defense of his country.