Navy Federal Credit Union

Captain (Cavalry) Joseph Rhett Barker, II (ASN: 0-21155), United States Army, was captured by Japanese forces while fighting with guerrilla forces in the Philippine Islands in 1943, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his execution in captivity on or about 1 November 1943.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area

    Division:

    Philippine Guerilla Forces

    Action Date:

    May 1942 – November 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 263 (July 22, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Cavalry) Joseph Rhett Barker, II (ASN: 0-21155), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy (assigned to the 26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts), while serving with the Philippine Guerilla Forces, East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area, in action against enemy forces from May 1942 to November 1943, in the Philippine Islands. After the fall of Bataan, Captain Barker evaded the enemy and went back into the mountains, gradually working his way through Japanese lines to join Colonel Thorpe, who had been commissioned by General MacArthur to begin the organization of guerrillas, even before the surrender of the American forces. Captain Barker became Colonel Thorpe’s Executive Officer and succeeded him in command shortly after Colonel Thorpe’s capture by the Japanese. He continued an aggressive and widespread campaign of organization through the Central Plain of Luzon, making his way in the disguise of a priest into the city of Manila, under the very shadow of the enemy’s headquarters. The soundness of his program is evidenced by the fact that, although he was himself betrayed and captured on 14 January 1943, the guerrilla movement continued and contributed in large measure to the ultimate success of our arms in the Battle for Luzon. Captain Barker’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    26th Cavalry Regiment (Philippine Scouts)

    Action Date:

    December 24, 1941

    War Department, General Orders No. 69 (July 1946)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Cavalry) Joseph Rhett Barker, II (ASN: 0-21155), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as troop and squadron commander of the 26th Cavalry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), in action against the enemy at Binalonan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 8 December 1941 to 9 April 1942. Captain Barker displayed gallantry at Binalonan, Philippine Islands, on 24 December 1941. During a heavy enemy ground attack, supported by air and tanks, Captain Barker, without regard for his own safety and with utter disregard of enemy fire, personally placed the elements of his troop in a defensive position. His coolness under fire and conspicuously gallant action inspired and encouraged his troops to make a determined stand. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Barker, 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area

    Division:

    Philippine Guerilla Forces

    Action Date:

    1942 – 1943

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Cavalry) Joseph Rhett Barker, II (ASN: 0-21155), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with forces of the East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area, Philippine Guerilla Forces, in the Philippine Islands from 1942 to 1943. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Captain Barker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.