Colonel Van T. Barfoot an American hero, under attack

Colonel Van T. Barfoot joined the United States Army in 1940. As a sergeant he took part in the Allied campaigns of World War Two (WWII) in Europe (Italy and France). While in Italy in one event he eliminated three German machine gun nests, captured 17 of the enemy. Destroyed with a bazooka a lead German tank column of three, causing the other two tanks to scatter. He then helped two seriously wounded soldiers walk back to get medical attention nearly a mile away.

He was promoted to lieutenant. Months later he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor CMA for his heroic actions in Italy. He was given the choice to be awarded the medal in the USA or there in the field. He choice was to receive the award in the field keeping him with his unit.

He went on to serve with the U.S. Army in Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the Army as a Colonel. Recently at age 90 he moved into a community of Henrico County, a suburb of Richmond, Virginia. In front of his home he placed a free-standing vertical flag pole. Every morning retired Colonel Van T. Barfoot raises the United States flag on that pole. Every evening Colonel Barfoot lowers the flag from the pole.

Mr. Barfoot received a letter from the Sussex Square Services Home Owners Association advising that free-standing flag pole was in violation of the Association rules. They advised that an angled pole attached to the house would be permissible. Colonel Barfoot refused to remove the free-standing flag pole. The Association advised they would fine him $10.00 a day for every day that pole remains standing. The governor of Virginia, Timothy M. Kaine, and U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner, both came out in support of Colonel Barfoot.

This 90 year old hero, war veteran who earned the nations highest military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, served in three wars, fought the fascist, the Nazis, and the Communist, once again is facing fascism, 21st century style. The Colonel has earned the right to fly the American flag from any point or manner on his property.
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A portion of a state highway in Mississippi, Barfoot's native state, was named in his honor this fall.