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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

David Barkely


paul guthrie

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I read this weekend in a non WW1 source I read this Hispanic - does not sound Hispancic- man won Medal of Honor. Anyone know anything about him? Thanks.

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Guest Jeff Floyd

He served as David B. Barkeley, from Laredo, Texas. He was of Mexican heritage, but chose to conceal that fact (his birth name appears to be David Barkeley Cantu). He's now recognized as the first Mexican-American Medal of Honor recipient.

As a private, Company E, 356th Infantry, 89th Division, near Pouilly, France, on 9 November 1918, he was awarded the Medal of Honor: "When information was desired as to the enemy's position on the opposite side of the Meuse River, Private barkeley, with another soldier, volunteered without hesitation and swam the river to reconnoiter the exact location. He succeeded in reaching the opposite bank, despite the evisdent determination of the enemy to prevent a crossing. Having obtained his information, he again entered the water for his return, but before his goal was reached, he was seized with cramps and drowned."

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