Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Rex
Theodore
Barber
May 6, 1917

–

July 26, 2001

Cemetery:

Redmond Memorial Cemetery

During World War II, Rex Barber became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down FIVE enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Among his victories was the 432-mile low-level intercept mission to attack and shoot down Admiral Yamamoto, the longest successful fighter intercept mission flown during World War II. For that action the Navy awarded him the Navy Cross. He retired in 1961 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    339th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    347th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 153 (June 23, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Rex Theodore Barber (ASN: 0-429902), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Fighter Pilot with 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, 13th Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    339th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    347th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 47 (February 22, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Rex Theodore Barber (ASN: 0-429902), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Fighter Pilot with 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, 13th Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    339th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    37th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force (Detached)

    Action Date:

    April 18, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 001038 (June 17, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Rex Theodore Barber (ASN: 0-429902), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Pilot of a P-38 fighter airplane in the 339th Fighter Squadron, 37th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces, attached to a Marine Fighter Command in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 18 April 1943. Participating in a dangerously long interception flight, First Lieutenant Barber contacted a formation of two enemy bombers escorted by six fighters in a complete surprise approach. Quickly engaging the enemy, he pressed his tactical advantage and struck fiercely, destroying one Japanese bomber at such close range that fragments from the explosion lodged in the wings of his plane, and shooting down the escorting enemy fighter plane which had been attempting to divert the attack. His brilliant airmanship and determined fighting spirit throughout a daring and vital mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Services.