John A. Barnes III, Brookdale Cemetery - Dedham, MA - Medal Of Honor Resting Places on Waymarking.com

In Dedham, on Veterans Hill within Brookdale Cemetery, is a marker for John Barnes, III, who is a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his selfless sacrifice while serving the Vietnam War.

The cemetery is located off a residential neighborhood. From High Street, turn onto Brookdale Avenue, then turn right at the curve. Veterans Hill is one of the locations where veterans are buried together. It is located on one of the highest features toward the north end of the cemetery. There is a flagpole in the center, graves surrounding it, and a stone monument to one side.

The marker is located north of the flag in the third circle around the flag. Like its neighbors, it is a standard military white stone rounded at the top. The front face has the following:

"John A
Barnes III
[Medal of Honor Symbol]
Medal of Honor
PFC
US Army
Vietnam
Apr 16 1945
Nov 12 1967
Massachusetts
Co. 503 Inf
173 ABN BDE
BSM + OLC
PH + OLC

John Barnes was born in Boston, MA. He entered the army in 1965 and was assigned to the position of grenadier.

The citation (listed in the Wikipedia article about him) is as follows:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Barnes distinguished himself by exceptional heroism while engaged in combat against hostile forces. Pfc. Barnes was serving as a grenadier when his unit was attacked by a North Vietnamese force, estimated to be a battalion. Upon seeing the crew of a machine gun team killed, Pfc. Barnes, without hesitation, dashed through the bullet swept area, manned the machine gun, and killed 9 enemy soldiers as they assaulted his position. While pausing just long enough to retrieve more ammunition, Pfc. Barnes observed an enemy grenade thrown into the midst of some severely wounded personnel close to his position. Realizing that the grenade could further injure or kill the majority of the wounded personnel, he sacrificed his life by throwing himself directly onto the hand grenade as it exploded. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, he averted a probable loss of life and injury to the wounded members of his unit. Pfc. Barnes' extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army."

There is a monument at the corner of East Street and Whiting Avenue. Also, the nearby baseball park is named in his honor.

Source:

Wikipedia (John A. Barnes III):
(visit link)

Armed Service: Army

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