The Sextant
By John Desselle, Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division
Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum, Jr, is a retired United States Marine Corps officer who received the Medal of Honor for valor during the Vietnam War. After graduation from high school, he entered college and joined the Marine Corps’ Platoon Leaders Class program. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Marine Reserve second lieutenant. In October 1968, Barnum returned to Vietnam where he served as Commanding Officer. While serving he received several medals including the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and Gold Star in lieu of a second award, the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V”, the Purple Heart for wounds received, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Silver Star and later received The Navy Medal of Honor. Colonel Barnum retired from the Marine Corps after more than 27 years of services. Upon retirement Colonel Barnum served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs, a position he held almost 7 years, from July 23, 2001 to January 20, 2008. Barnum currently serves on the Segs4Vets and on the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Advisory Board. He is now 76 years old and serving on the Board of Directors for the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation MCLEF.org, the Americans in Wartime Museum.
SAN DIEGO (April 19, 2013) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) returns to homeport San Diego, April 19, after completing an eight-month, ballistic missile defense deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation. While operating in the Arabian Gulf, the ship and her boarding team conducted 88 Òapproach-and-visitÓ operations that helped strengthen U.S. Navy ties with local mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rosalie Garcia/Released)
BAHRAIN (Dec. 25, 2008) Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs The Honorable H.C. “Barney” Barnum Jr. pins Petty Officer First Class insignia on Culinary Specialist 1st Class Karen Thompson during his visit to the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). Iwo Jima is deployed as the lead ship of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad R. Erdmann/Released)
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