World War II Honoree

Robert A. Barker

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Woodstock, Illinois

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private First Class. On July 2, 1942, he was inducted into the United States Marine Corps from Illinois. His boot camp training took place with the Eighth Recruit Battalion Training Regiment, Marine Corps Base in San Diego, California. Later he completed his Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. Served as a Rifleman with the First Provisional Marine Brigade in the Central Pacific Theater of Operations, assigned to India Company, Third Battalion and Twenty-Second Marine Regiment. His unit participated in the Battle of Guam against the Imperial Japanese forces (Dates of Battle: July 21-August 10, 1944. Killed in action Tuesday, July 25, 1944 and buried in the Brigade cemetery, located on the Orote Peninsula. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, the family of this Marine received his remains for burial. He was laid to rest at the Calvary Cemetery in Woodstock, Illinois. The following decorations were awarded posthumously: Navy Cross and the Purple Heart. The Navy Cross awarded for his distinguished intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart, for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.