Medal of Honor: Charles H. Barker – Korean War – June 4, 1953

Name: Charles H. Barker
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Korean War
Unit: Company K, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 4, 1953
Location: Near Sokkogae, Korea

Summary of Action

On 4 June 1953, Private First Class Charles H. Barker displayed extraordinary heroism while serving with Company K, 17th Infantry Regiment, near the fiercely contested Pork Chop Hill sector of Korea.

Barker was part of a combat patrol assigned to screen the approaches to "Pork Chop Outpost," a strategically important position that had become the focus of intense fighting during the final months of the Korean War.

While conducting the mission, the patrol unexpectedly encountered a group of enemy soldiers constructing defensive positions on a hillside.

Caught by surprise, the enemy soldiers scrambled for cover as the Americans opened fire.

The patrol leader directed Barker and another soldier to establish a base of fire while the remainder of the patrol maneuvered to more advantageous terrain on higher ground.

Without hesitation, Barker moved into an exposed area and unleashed a fierce volume of rifle fire and grenades against the enemy positions.

His aggressive actions kept the enemy pinned down and allowed the rest of the patrol to maneuver.

As the firefight intensified, enemy mortar rounds began crashing into the area.

Ammunition supplies dwindled rapidly, and the growing enemy resistance threatened to overwhelm the patrol.

Recognizing the danger, the patrol leader ordered a withdrawal to a defensive perimeter before returning to friendly lines.

At that critical moment, Barker volunteered to remain behind and cover the withdrawal of his comrades.

Knowing that staying behind meant facing overwhelming odds alone, he nevertheless chose to make his stand.

As the patrol disengaged and moved toward safety, Barker continued firing on the advancing enemy, maintaining a fierce defense that prevented them from pursuing the withdrawing Americans.

The last time his comrades saw him, Barker was engaged in close-quarters hand-to-hand combat with enemy soldiers.

His courageous stand bought the precious time needed for the patrol to complete its mission and withdraw in good order to friendly positions.

Private First Class Charles H. Barker's selfless sacrifice, determination, and unwavering devotion to his fellow soldiers reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

BARKER, CHARLES H.

Rank and organization: Private First Class (then Pvt.), U.S. Army, Company K, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Sokkogae, Korea, 4 June 1953.

Entered service at: Pickens County, S.C.

Born: 12 April 1935, Pickens County, S.C.

G.O. No.: 37, 7 June 1955.

Citation:

Pfc. Barker, a member of Company K, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While participating in a combat patrol engaged in screening an approach to "Pork-Chop Outpost," Pfc. Barker and his companions surprised and engaged an enemy group digging emplacements on the slope. Totally unprepared, the hostile troops sought cover. After ordering Pfc. Barker and a comrade to lay down a base of fire, the patrol leader maneuvered the remainder of the platoon to a vantage point on higher ground. Pfc. Barker moved to an open area firing his rifle and hurling grenades on the hostile positions. As enemy action increased in volume and intensity, mortar bursts fell on friendly positions, ammunition was in critical supply, and the platoon was ordered to withdraw into a perimeter defense preparatory to moving back to the outpost. Voluntarily electing to cover the retrograde movement, he gallantly maintained a defense and was last seen in close hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. Pfc. Barker's unflinching courage, consummate devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice enabled the patrol to complete the mission and effect an orderly withdrawal to friendly lines, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the military service.