Robert Andrew Barnett was born on February 16, 1933, in Mount Vernon, Mobile County, Alabama. He was the son of Arnett Sidney Barnett and Flora Irene Oliver Barnett. He enlisted in the service on June 14, 1950. He served in the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, as a Private First Class and Light Weapons Infantryman during the Korean War.

PFC Barnett was Killed in Action on February 5, 1951, in Chang Pyong Dong, South Korea. He is now buried in the Mount Vernon Methodist Church Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Mobile County, Alabama, USA.

Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Robert A. Barnett (ASN: RA-14349937), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 5 February 1951, near Yu-li, Korea, Private Barnett’s platoon was forced to withdraw to more tenable positions owing to heavy fire from a numerically superior enemy force. Private Barnett volunteered to remain in an exposed position in order to bring more effective fire on the enemy and thus permit his platoon to withdraw. Moving to a still more exposed flank position he placed heavy and accurate fire on the enemy emplacements. While the platoon was withdrawing under the cover of his fire, the enemy subjected Private Barnett to a tremendous barrage of small arms and automatic weapons fire, fatally wounding him. Although wounded he refused to leave his position and continued to place fire on the enemy until he lost consciousness. Private Barnett’s gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, valor.militarytimes.com