World War II Honoree

Joseph Robert Barker, II

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Birmingham, Alabama

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Captain. Graduate of the United States Military Academy West Point, receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Cavalry. Served as Commander of Troop-B, 26th Cavalry Regiment 'Philippine Scouts' in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations. His regiment became involved in the Battle of the Philippine Islands, the invasion of the Philippine Islands by the Imperial Japanese Army and Naval forces. The 26th participated in the Allied withdrawal to the Bataan Peninsula during the Battle of Bataan (Battle Dates: January 7-April 9, 1942). On April 9, 1942, he evaded capture, linked up with a group of Filipino Guerilla resistance fighters and continued to fight in the mountains on Luzon. The Japanese captured him on January 14, 1943, incarcerated at the Bilibid Prison. Reported missing in action Monday, November 1, 1943, memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery located at Fort Bonifacio, Philippine Islands. He received the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart posthumously. in addition, he also received the Silver Star and Legion of Merit. This Captain, an American Patriot, so gallantly gave his life in defense of his country.