World War II Honoree

Chester A. Barnhart

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Youngstown, Ohio

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Chief Gunner’s Mate. Inducted into the United States Navy from Ohio and served aboard the USS Hoel Destroyer (DD-533) for duty. His duties consisted of being in charge of maintenance, and operation of his ships’ cannons and other weaponry. Wednesday, October 25, 1944 during the ensuing Battle-of-Samar, the Destroyer and her shipmates along with an armada of U.S. Naval Warships was attacked by an Imperial Japanese Naval Fleet. Reported missing in action, when the Destroyer was sunk by the enemy naval cannon fire off-shore of Leyte, Philippine Islands. In remembrance of the brave, his name is permanently inscribed in the tablets of the missing, memorialized at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Location: Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippine Islands. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, for his Heroism and ultimate sacrifice.