🇺🇲WWII uncovered: Medal of Honor Recipient Van Thomas Barfoot: Hero of the 45th Infantry Division.

Van Barfoot of Edinburg, Mississippi was a Technical Sergeant in the Thunderbirds when he was recognized with the prestigious Medal of Honor for his actions during the Italian Campaign in the city of Carano.

On May 23, 1944, during the breakout from Anzio to Rome, Barfoot knocked out two machine gun nests and captured 17 German soldiers. Later that same day, he repelled a German tank assault, destroyed an enemy fieldpiece and while returning to camp. He also carried two wounded commanders to safety.

Barfoot was subsequently commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. His division moved into France and by September 1944 was serving in the Rhone Valley. Lieutenant Barfoot chose to have the MOH presentation ceremony in the field, so that his soldiers could attend. He was formally presented with the honor on September 28, 1944, in Épinal, France, by Lieutenant General Alexander Patch.

After the war Van returned to Mississippi while furthering his career in the Army. He served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1974 with the rank of Colonel. During his impressive military career Colonel Barfoot was a decorated war veteran, honored with The Silver Star, The Bronze Star and three Purple Heart acknowledgments in addition to the coveted Medal of Honor. After retirement Van moved to Richmond Virginia where he passed away on March 2, 2012 at the age of 92. Lest We Forget.

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WWII uncovered©️ original description and photos sourced by The National World War II Museum, US Army Center of Military History and Ancestry Database.

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