Van T. Barfoot

Van Thomas Barfoot
Color photo of Barfoot wearing his Medal of Honor and a blue suit. He is facing the camera and smiling.
Van T. Barfoot, Medal of Honor recipient
Birth nameVan Thurman Barfoot[1]
Born(1919-06-15)June 15, 1919
Edinburg, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedMarch 2, 2012(2012-03-02) (aged 92)
Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Place of burial
H. C. Smither Memorial Cemetery, Hudgins, Virginia
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branch United States Army
Years of service1940–1974
Rank Colonel
Unit 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division
Battles / warsWorld War II Korean War[2]
Vietnam War[3]
AwardsMedal of Honor
Silver Star
Legion of Merit (2)
Bronze Star
Purple Heart (3)

Van Thomas Barfoot (born Van Thurman Barfoot; June 15, 1919 – March 2, 2012) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

  1. ^ Col. Van Barfoot, Medal of Honor recipient, dies at 92, March 3, 2012, Richmond Times-Dispatch (archived from the original on March 6, 2012)
  2. ^ "Decorated Veteran, 90, Fights to Raise Flag in His Yard". Fox News. December 3, 2009. Retrieved December 4, 2009. He also served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War and earned a Purple Heart.
  3. ^ Angela Pellerano (December 2, 2009). "Local World War II Veteran Fights Homeowner's Association". WTVR. Retrieved December 4, 2009. Wounded in combat three times, Barfoot fought in World War II and in Vietnam.