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Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Edwin
Barr
1909-06-11

–

1993-11-07

Born:

, 

South Carolina

Home:

Gilbert

, 

South Carolina

Buried: 

San Antonio

, 

Texas

Cemetery:

Mission Burial Park North

John Barr graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1931. He retired in 1961 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    51st Fighter Group

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) John Edwin Barr, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer, 51st Fighter Group, in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    51st Fighter Group

    Division:

    10th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 10th Air Force, General Orders No. 43 (May 23, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) John Edwin Barr (ASN: 0-18459), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane and Commanding Officer of the 51st Fighter Group, TENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, in 1943. Colonel Barr, with five other officers, developed the technique making it possible for hard-hitting P-40 Warhawk fighter planes to carry 1,000-pound bombs against the Japanese. Five Successive missions resulted in heavy damage to an enemy-occupied city, extensive damage to two Japanese airdromes and destruction of two enemy-controlled railway bridges. The conduct, daring and skill which these missions were accomplished reflect much credit upon Colonel Barr and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.