Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Hilliard
Barrow
February 5, 1922

–

October 30, 2008

Cemetery:

Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery

Robert Barrow was one of only TWO U.S. Marines to be awarded the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross during the Vietnam War, or since. Prior to his Vietnam War service, he earned both the Navy Cross and the Silver Star in Korea. As a Marine Corps General, he served from July 1, 1978 to July 30, 1979 as the 17th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, and from July 1, 1979 to June 30, 1983, as the 27th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Awards Received

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    July 1979 – January 1981

    Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Robert H. Barrow (MCSN: 0-23471), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as the Commandant of the Marine Corps and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from July 1979 to January 1981. Dedicated to the nation and a strong national defense, General Barrow’s personal leadership, keen foresight, and superior professional judgment in solving management and operational problems have enhanced the Marine Corps’ capability to undertake all tasks assigned to it in the defense of our country. The unprecedented short time from concept to implementation of the strategically important Near Term Prepositioning Program, Joint Task Force are manifest examples of the Marine Corps’ capabilities under the firm and bold leadership of General Barrow. His superb understanding and clarity of vision of the factors which influence the formulation of national policy, his unswerving dedication to enhancing the combat readiness of the Marine Corps, his steadfast insistence on quality recruitment, and his continuous commitment to the well-being of his Marines have earned for him the deep loyalty, profound respect, and admiration of those in the highest councils of our Government. General Barrow’s extraordinarily distinguished service and devotion to duty during this period have been in the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    9th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

    Action Date:

    January 22 – March 18, 1969
    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2945 (August 4, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel Robert H. Barrow (MCSN: 0-23471), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters, Ninth Marine Regiment, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced). Colonel Barrow distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period from 22 January to 18 March 1969 while commanding a regiment in Operation DEWEY CANYON in Quang Tri Province. Throughout the eight-week campaign in the Da Krong and A Shau Valleys, Colonel Barrow remained with the forward elements of his command, directing their insertion into enemy-held territory. Despite adverse flying conditions, he made numerous low-level reconnaissance flights in his command helicopter. Under his supervision, his troops swept the determined North Vietnamese forces back to the Laotian border, decimating countless fortifications and base camps and confiscating prodigious quantities of communist weapons and munitions. Despite the continuous hostile artillery and rocket bombardment of his command post, he persisted in retaining his position in close proximity to the enemy activity. During one concentrated attack on his post, he repeatedly exposed himself to the withering hostile fusillade in order to direct the repulsion of the enemy. After the two-month operation, his regiment confirmed over one thousand three hundred dead and accounted for tremendous amounts of captured North Vietnamese equipment. Colonel Barrow’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    July 1979 – June 1983

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to General Robert H. Barrow (MCSN: 0-23471), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1 July 1979 through 30 June 1983. As the twenty-seventh Commandant, General Barrow displayed the inspirational leadership, pride in service, preeminent integrity, and professional brilliance that marked his career. Fully understanding the maritime heritage of the United States, his articulation of the need for potent Naval forces contributed significantly to the resurgence of American seapower. General Barrow provided the direction for modernization of weapons and force structure to ensure that available resources were employed by the Marine Corps in the best interests of the Nation. His steadfast dedication to the highest standards ensured the recruitment and retention of the highest quality Marines, providing a modern Corps ready to successfully execute all assigned missions. His unprecedented firm stand in the war on drugs and other innovative programs designed to improve the quality of life was the direct result of his deep personal sense of responsibility for the welfare of his Marines. General Barrow’s keen intellect and seasoned judgment, combined with his candor and honesty, earned him the utmost respect from others within the Department of Defense, the Congress, and the American people. By his personal valor, distinguished service, and unwavering devotion to duty, General Barrow reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    September 1969 – August 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Robert H. Barrow (MCSN: 0-23471), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from September 1969 through August 1972 as Commanding General of Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler, on Okinawa, and as Deputy Commander, Marine Corps Bases, Pacific (Forward). During this period of severe personnel turbulence and fiscal austerity, Brigadier General Barrow organized a massive logistic effort and effected a management system which insured maximum utilization of manpower and material assets and greatly enhanced the security, physical aspects, and operating capacity of all Marine Corps installations on Okinawa. In addition to his tremendous command responsibilities, he assisted in coordinating the many details involved in the reversion of Okinawa to the Government of Japan and was instrumental in achieving results which served the best interests of the United States and of the people of Okinawa. By his superb leadership, professionalism, and dedication, Brigadier General Barrow contributed significantly to the mission accomplishment of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    September 1, 1964 – July 3, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Robert H. Barrow (MCSN: 0-23471), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Plans Officer and subsequently as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, Headquarters Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, from 1 September 1964 to 3 July 1967. Serving in his initial assignment from 1 September 1964 to 5 May 1967, Colonel Barrow had a major responsibility for development of plans for the initial introduction and subsequent buildup of U.S. Marine forces in the Republic of Vietnam. His originality, perceptiveness, professional competence, and personal dedication were prime factors in shaping the concepts and strategy for a new type of warfare. The rapidly changing situation in Vietnam generated frequent requirements for modifications in the command relationships and force structure, and exposed many facets of approved doctrine to reappraisal. Colonel Barrow’s responses to these challenges were invariably and persuasively presented, and will, undoubtedly, be reflected in many of the postwar doctrinal manuals. The deployment of almost the entire pre-Vietnam Fleet Marine Force, Pacific force structure to Vietnam necessitated many planning actions to activate new units, deploy them to various locations in the Pacific area, and to revise nearly all of the Pacific Command contingency plans to provide for unilateral, and supranational commitments. Colonel Barrow was the central functionary in Fleet Marine Force, Pacific in this task. He discharged this responsibility with exceptional judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness. Colonel Barrow’s talent for original thinking and professional vision resulted in the completion of many projects before the need was foreseen by higher headquarters. By his exceptional military acumen, resolute leadership, professional competence, and unswerving dedication to duty throughout, Colonel Barrow made significant contributions to operations of Marine forces in the Pacific theater. His exceptional performance of duty reflected great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    December 9 & 10, 1950
    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 30 (January 24, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Robert H. Barrow (MCSN: 0-23471), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Koto-ri, Korea, on 9 and 10 December 1950. Ordered to seize and occupy the high ground on Hill 1081 dominating the pass below and held by a heavily-fortified, deeply-entrenched enemy of approximately battalion strength controlling all approaches to his company’s objective, Captain Barrow boldly led his company up the ice covered, windswept, razor backed ridge in a blinding snowstorm and, employing artillery, mortars and close air support, launched a well-coordinated attack. With his forward assault platoon suddenly brought under withering automatic weapons, small-arms and mortar fire from commanding ground as they moved along the narrow snow-covered ridge toward a bare mountain top studded with hostile bunkers and foxholes, he fearlessly advanced to the front under blistering shellfire, directing and deploying his men and shouting words of encouragement as they followed him to close with the enemy in furious hand-to-hand combat. Reorganizing his depleted units following the bitter conflict, he spearheaded a daring and skillful enveloping maneuver, striking the enemy by surprise on the right flank and destroying many emplacements as he continued the final drive up the steep slope in the face of heavy automatic weapons and grenade fire to secure the objective with a total loss to the enemy of more than 300 dead and wounded. By his gallant and forceful leadership, great personal valor and fortitude maintained in the face of overwhelming odds, Captain Barrow aided immeasurably in insuring the safe passage of the FIRST Marine Division through this hazardous pass, and his inspiring devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert H. Barrow (MCSN: 0-23471), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yongdungp’o, Korea, on 21 September 1950. Realizing the impossibility of immediate reorganization at the outskirts of the city, when a strong hostile counterattack threatened his company’s flank, Captain Barrow unhesitatingly moved to an exposed position from which he could best direct the fire of his units after their successful 3,000 yard advance toward their objective. Under his able direction, the fire proved sufficiently effective to repel the counterattack and to cause the enemy to withdraw. While the company was preparing defensive positions and was forced to take cover from hostile sniper fire, he again exposed himself to place his men in advantageous firing positions and to further the development of their defense. Later, during an enemy attack, he supervised the firing of bazookas, thereby contributing to the destruction of one hostile tank, the damaging of another and the repulse of the assault. By his daring initiative, outstanding leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Captain Barrow upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War Era

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Robert H. Barrow (MCSN: 0-23471), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1967 to 1969.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    July 1, 1979 – June 30, 1983

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Robert H. Barrow (MCSN: 0-23471), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1 July 1979 to 30 June 1983.