Medal of Honor: David B. Barkeley – World War I – November 9, 1918

Name: David Bennes Barkeley
Rank: Private
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company A, 356th Infantry, 89th Division
Place and Date: Near Pouilly, France – 9 November 1918
Entered Service At: San Antonio, Texas
Born: March 31, 1899 – Laredo, Texas
Departed: Died in action, November 9, 1918 (Drowned in the Meuse River)
Accredited to: Texas

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Summary of Action

In the closing days of World War I, with the Meuse River bristling with enemy defenses, critical intelligence was needed across the water to plan the next attack. Private David B. Barkeley and another soldier volunteered for the dangerous mission.

Under constant threat of detection and fire, they swam the icy, fast-moving river to the opposite bank, where Barkeley successfully scouted the German positions and gathered vital information. His report would have given his unit a crucial advantage — but as he began the return swim, the freezing current took its toll.

Seized by cramps midstream, Barkeley sank beneath the surface before reaching safety. His selfless mission, carried out with courage and quiet resolve, cost him his life but secured his place among America’s heroes.

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Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company A, 356th Infantry, 89th Division.
Place and date: Near Pouilly, France, 9 November 1918.
Entered service at: San Antonio, Tex.
Birth: Laredo, Tex.
G.O. No.: 20, W.D., 1919.

Citation:
When information was desired as to the enemy’s position on the opposite side of the Meuse River, Pvt. Barkeley, with another soldier, volunteered without hesitation and swam the river to reconnoiter the exact location. He succeeded in reaching the opposite bank, despite the evident determination of the enemy to prevent a crossing. Having obtained his information, he again entered the water for his return, but before his goal was reached, he was seized with cramps and drowned.