William Earl Barber was born on November 30, 1919, in Dehart, Kentucky.   He enlisted in the Marine Corps in March of 1940.  After completing recruit training he completed parachute training at the Naval Air Station, Lakehurst,  NJ and was assigned as a ParaMarine.  His first assignment was as a parachute instructor at the Parachute Training School, New River NC.  In May 1943 he entered OCS and was commissioned a 2ndLt on 11 August 1943.

Service during World War II

2ndLt Barber served with the 1st Parachute Regiment until 1944.  He was assigned as a platoon commander with 26th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton.  He embarked for the Pacific and later took part in the invasion of Iwo Jima.  He was wounded on Iwo Jima and later took part in the initial occupation of Japam.  He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions on Iwo Jima.

Returning the the US in 1946,  Colonel Barber served on recruiting duty and as a Rifle Company Commander with 8th Marines at Camp Lejeund, NC.  He also served as an Inspector-Instructor with Comany D, 6th Infantry Battalion (Marine Corps Reserve) in Altoona and Philadelphia, PA.

<sup>For his actions at the Chosin Reservoir, Korea from November 28, to December 2, 1950, Barber was awarded the Medal of Honor.

The President of the United States in the name of the Congress  takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to</sup>

^{for service as set forth in the following CITATION:}

^{For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from November 28, to December 2, 1950. Assigned to defend a three-mile mountain pass along the division's main supply line and commanding the only route of approach in the march from Yudam-Ni to Hagaru-ri, Captain Barber took position with his battle weary troops and, before nightfall, had dug in and set up a defense along the frozen snow-covered hillside. When a force of estimated regimental strength savagely attacked during the night, inflicting heavy casualties and finally surrounding his position following a bitterly fought seven-hour conflict, Captain Barber, after repulsing the enemy, gave assurance that he could hold if supplied by air drops and requested permission to stand fast when orders were received by radio to fight his way back to a relieving force after two reinforcing units had been driven back under fierce resistance in their attempts to reach the isolated troops. Aware that leaving the position would sever contact with the 8,000 Marines trapped at Yudam-ni and jeopardize their chances of joining the 3,000 more awaiting their arrival in Hagaru-ri for the continued drive to the sea, he chose to risk loss of his command rather than sacrifice more men if the enemy seized control and forced a renewed battle to regain the position, or abandon his many wounded who were unable to walk. Although severely wounded in the leg the early morning of the 29th, Captain Barber continued to maintain personal control, often moving up and down the lines on a stretcher to direct the defense and consistently encouraging and inspiring his men to supreme efforts despite the staggering opposition. Waging desperate battle throughout five days and six nights of repeated onslaughts launched by the fanatical aggressors, he and his heroic command accounted for approximately 1,000 enemy dead in this epic stand in bitter sub-zero weather, and when the company was relieved, only 82 of his original 220 men were able to walk away from the position so valiantly defended against insuperable odds. His profound faith and courage, great personal valor and unwavering fortitude were decisive factors in the successful withdrawal of the division from the deathtrap in the Chosin Reservoir sector and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Barber, his intrepid officers and men and the United States Naval Service.}

^{/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN}