On this day, we pay tribute to Corporal John L. Barkley, a soldier whose bravery changed t
On this day, we pay tribute to Corporal John L. Barkley, a soldier whose bravery changed the course of battle at Cunel, France. On October 7, 1918, Barkley was positioned at an observation post just 500 meters from the German lines. Taking initiative, he fixed a captured enemy machine g*n and placed it inside a disabled French tank near his location. When the enemy launched a counteroffensive, Barkley entered the tank alone. He endured a hostile bombardment until the German troops got close, then opened fi*re, disrupting the assault and causing significant casualties. Moments later, an enemy 77mm gun targeted the tank at point-blank range. A shell hit the drive wheel, but Barkley remained inside. Once the barrage ceased, he thwarted a second counterattack, enabling American forces to capture and maintain Hill 25. For his bravery, Barkley was awarded the Medal of Honor. He later detailed his experiences in the memoir “Scarlet Fields.” His courage serves as a reminder of what one determined soldier can achieve when the stakes are high. (Image credit: Wikipedia)
