Van T Barfoot

[RoLo]

Van T Barfoot

(Jun 15, 1919 to Mar 2, 2012)

 

Some may remember Van Barfoot, the stubborn old man in Virginia who despite

orders from his Homeowner’s Association, flatly refused to remove the flagpole

in front of his home that flew the American flag.

 

In 1940, Van Barfoot enlisted in the US Army. On the front line in Germany, Barfoot

set-out alone to flank German machine gunners who were raining bullets on

American soldiers. Advancing single-handedly through a minefield, Barfoot took out

3 enemy machine gunners and captured a total of 17 prisoners of war. As though

that weren’t enough, Barfoot later destroyed three German tanks to reclaim American

machine gun positions. Given the scope of World War II, his heroism did not make news.

Barfoot later served in the Korean war and also served in the Vietnamese war.

In addition to many other medals he was awarded 3 purple hearts and the

Congressional Medal of Honor, ultimately retiring as Colonel Van Barfoot.

In spite of 34 years of service for his country and all his heroic deeds,

none were deemed newsworthy enough to make headlines.

 

At age 90, Van Barfoot flew the American flag on a 21-foot tall flagpole in front

of his home. Residents in his neighborhood regarded it as a community eyesore

and his HOA ordered Barfoot to dismantle the flagstaff. In defiance of court order,

the aged American patriot flatly refused to comply. Finally realizing that Colonel Barfoot

was a man not intimidated by adversity, the Homeowner’s Association backed down

and withdrew their mandate.

 

It’s a shameful irony, but the benign skirmish between Van Barfoot and his HOA

made national TV headlines, but all his heroic deeds made none.

It behooves us all to broadcast the positive news, because when it comes to

negative news, the media leaves no stone unturned.

 

Roger

[FloridaFishinFool]

RIP American hero!

[F14A-B]

What a Man! Nice post...

[Dwight Hottle]

A real hero. We need more like him.

[gardnerjigman]

Great post and story

[aavery2]

When American citizens start calling the Red White and Blue an eyesore we have failed.

 

Here's to the Colonel,  way to defend your flag Sir.

[Bluebasser86]

The man fought and almost died for that flag (on more than one occasion apparently), and some pizzant HOA thought they'd get him to take it down, not likely. 

 

[Oregon Native]

Thanks for sharing