Van T. Barfoot, a Choctaw man who received the Medal of Honor for his service during World War II, died on Friday. He was 92.
Barfoot received the medal for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944," according to the
Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
He defended his Army platoon from two attacks in Italy, killing seven German soldiers and capturing 17 others.
Barfoot, who was born in Mississippi, was eligible for citizenship in the
Choctaw Nation, but he never enrolled.
He made news in 2009 for flying an American flag atop a 21-foot pole at his home in Virginia.
Get the Story:
Van Barfoot, Medal of Honor Recipient, Dies at 92
(The New York Times 3/5)
Van Barfoot, WWII Medal of Honor recipient, dies at 92
(The Tulsa World 3/5)
Col. Van Barfoot, Medal of Honor recipient, dies at 92
(The Richmond Times-Dispatch 3/3)
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