Pvt. Herbert G. Barnard

How this story crossed my path

On November 6, 1944, Frank Klepper was killed by friendly fire in our municipality of Putte (find the story here). Six of his brothers in arms were also wounded in this accident. They were Corporal William A. Bassi, T/5 William E. Stireman, Private First Class James H. Swanson, Private First Class Martin I. Mueller, Private First Class Adam Valuchivich, and Private Herbert G. Bernard.

For their contribution to our freedom, I would also like to give these men the recognition they deserve. Here the story of Private Herbert G. Barnard, a member of D Battery, 494th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion.

Biography and Wartime Service

Herbert Gordon Barnard was born on July 24, 1919, in Homebrook Township, Minnesota to Winnifred Gordon and Leon Capen Barnard. His educational background as having completed one year of high school.

Herbert G. Barnard, who joined the U.S. Army on May 25, 1942, in Spokane, Washington was part of the original men assigned to the 494th when it was formed in Iceland in 1942 from the 216th Coast Artillery. Two years later, November 2, 1944 Barnard and the 494th AAA Gun Bn arrived in Putte, as part of operation 'Antwerp X'.

In the accident on November 6, 1944 which killed Frank Klepper, Herbert Barnard suffered injuries from the shrapnel of the exploding 40mm shell. He was initially treated at the hospital for the treatment of injuries to his wrist. Because of the light injuries Herbert did not lose any time with his unit and was able to return to his duties quickly. Despite the incident and losing Gun nr 4, D-Battery was operational again 4 hours later at their new location in the Heerkenslei, Putte.

His discharge papers indicate that he ended up as a Private First Class. He returned to the U.S. in October 1945, where he was honorably discharged on October 21, 1945 as a member of the 494th Anti-Aircraft Battalion.

Herbert G. Barnard died in November, 1970.

If anyone can help me with further identification of Pfc. Herbert G. Barnard, please contact me