Barefoot Cited For Heroism In Viet Combat

   VIETNAM-Army SSgt Wayne S. Barefoot, Sr,., 28, whose wife, Wanda, lives in Clarksville, was recently awarded the Bronze Star Medal "for heroism in ground combat" and a first oak leaf cluster to the Bronze Star for "distinguishing " himself by outstanding meritorious service" in Vietnam His wife is the daughter of Mrs. Annie Shelton, Route 6, Clarksville.
   Barefoot was cited for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on Dec. 27 while assigned as an acting platoon sergeant with Co. D, 3rd Bn., 503rd Inf., 173rd Airborne Brigade.
   "While crossing a sparsely vegetated area, the company was "enveloped by intense enemy fire, WAYNE S. BAREFOOT SR. halting the movement of the first platoon. Barefoot, from his position on the company perimeter, immediately deployed his platoon to gain the initiative by maneuvering. As they began to move, they received a barrage of enemy grenades, causing several casualties.
   Although he was wounded, Barefoot moved among the casualties moving them to safety. He moved among the entire platoon distributing ammunition, tightening the defensive positions and encouraging his men.
   According to the citation accompanying the medal he "reorganized the remainder of the men into an effective fighting force. His cool and professional actions instilled a sense of courage and determination in all who observed him."
   Barefoot, a veteran of 12 years Army service, received the first oak leaf cluster to the Bronze Star "for distinguishing himself by outstanding ground operations against a hostile force during the period Nov. 25, 1967 to April 24, 1968.
   His citation read, in part: "Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems.

[The Leaf-Chronicle Clarksville, Tennessee, 04 Aug 1968, Sun, Page 12]

   Wayne Stanton Barefoot Sr., 61, Clarksville, died Monday, March 4, 2002, in Clarksville.
   He was born June 9, 1940, in Johnstown, Pa, son of Max and Alverda Rowser Barefoot. Mr. Barefoot was retired from the U.S. Army and employed by the Tennessee Department of Corrections. He was a member of Northeast Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge, Fort Benning, Ga., the American Legion, the V.FW. and the Purple Heart Association.
   Survivors include his wife, Wanda S. Barefoot; three sons, Wayne S. Barefoot, Hawaii, Steve Barefoot, Greenbrier and Scott Barefoot, Clarksville; a daughter, Wendy Wilkins, Clarksville; three brothers, Lynn Barefoot, New Paris, Pa., Joel Barefoot, Virginia and Danny Barefoot, Pennsylvania; two sisters, Iris Coachman, Springdale, Pa. and Susie Thompson, West Virginia; and seven grandchildren.
  The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Neal-Tarpley Funeral Home with Chaplain Gene Horn officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 10 am until the hour of the service at the funeral home. Members of the military will serve as pallbearers.

[The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, Tn, 09 Mar 2002, Sat, Page 10]

[courtesy of "Jessica"]

Grave marker for Wayne S. Barefoot in Section 16, Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville (Montgomery county), Tennessee.

Sgt Barefoot, 508th ARCT, was wounded in action during the conflict in the Dominican Republic.

He also served in Vietnam.

His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart,

He retired from the Army as a Command Sergeant Major.