American hero recognized by Whiteman senior leaders

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Jeff Kelly
  • 442d FW Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Senior leaders from across Whiteman Air Force Base converged on the November meeting of the Missouri State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Tuesday in order to pay tribute to an American hero. Staff Sergeant Harry "Punk" Barber, U.S. Army Air Corps (Ret) served as a B-24 gunner in WWII. He flew 13 missions, including one on D-Day, before his plane was shot down behind enemy lines in 1944 near Berlin, Germany. He spent 11 months as a P.O.W. before being liberated. Sergeant Barber earned eight medals including two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. 509th Bomb Wing Commander Brigadier General Thomas Bussiere 442d Fighter Wing Commander Colonel Hubie Hegtvedt, 131st BW Commander Colonel Michael Francis, and 135th Aviation Unit Rear Echelon Commander First Lieutenant Benjamin Hoeman presented Sgt. Barber with a token of appreciation from Team Whiteman for his service to his country. (U.S. Air Force photos by 1st Lt. Jeff Kelly)