Robert H. Barrow

Robert Hilliard Barrow (February 5, 1922 – October 30, 2008) was a United States Marine Corps four-star general. Barrow was the 27th Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1979 to 1983. He served for 41 years, including overseas command duty in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. General Barrow was awarded the Navy Cross and Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in Korean and Vietnam, respectively.

Robert H. Barrow
General Robert H. Barrow c. 1978–79
Born	February 5, 1922 Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Died	October 30, 2008 (aged 86) St. Francisville, Louisiana[1]
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1942–1983[2]
Rank	General
Commands held	Commandant of the Marine Corps Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler 9th Marine Regiment
Battles/wars	World War II Defense of China Korean War Battle of Inchon Second Battle of Seoul Battle of Chosin Reservoir Vietnam War Operation Dewey Canyon
Awards	Navy Cross Distinguished Service Cross Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2) Navy Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Medal (2)
Other work	Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board

Early life

Barrow was born on February 5, 1922, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and grew up on his family's Rosale Plantation in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. The family's circumstances were difficult. They had no electricity, so Barrow satisfied an early passion for reading by using a kerosene lamp.[1]

Because it offered free tuition and low boarding costs, Barrow attended Louisiana State University from 1939 to 1942,[3] working as a waiter and a janitor and served in the university's Corps of Cadets.[1]

Marine Corps career

World War II

In 1942, Barrow left the university early to join the United States Marine Corps.[4] He attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and was retained as a Drill Instructor after his graduation. While serving on the drill field, he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School in February 1943. He was commissioned a second lieutenant on May 19, 1943.[5]

Barrow served in China during World War II. He was a first lieutenant in the United States Navy Group China, Sino-American Cooperative Organization (SACO) from August 1944 to November 1945. SACO was a United States trained and equipped Chinese guerilla team in Japanese-occupied Central China. Barrow is said by his son to have described his China service as one of his "most vivid experiences".[6] For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V".[7]

Korean War

Barrow commanded Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines during the Korean War and participated in the Inchon-Seoul campaign and in the Chosin Reservoir campaign. He has been described as the "finest company commander" of the Korean War.[6] For his heroism in holding a pass near Koto-ri on December 9–10, 1950, he was awarded the Navy Cross.[5]

Barrow's Navy Cross citation reads:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to ROBERT H. BARROW (0-23471), CAPTAIN, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Koto-ri, Korea, on 9 and 10 December 1950. Ordered to seize and occupy the high ground on Hill 1081 dominating the pass below and held by a heavily-fortified, deeply-entrenched enemy of approximately battalion strength controlling all approaches to his company's objective, Captain BARROW boldly led his company up the ice covered, windswept, razor backed ridge in a blinding snowstorm and, employing artillery, mortars and close air support, launched a well-coordinated attack. With his forward assault platoon suddenly brought under withering automatic weapons, small-arms and mortar fire from commanding ground as they moved along the narrow snow-covered ridge toward a bare mountain top studded with hostile bunkers and foxholes, he fearlessly advanced to the front under blistering shellfire, directing and deploying his men and shouting words of encouragement as they followed him to close with the enemy in furious hand-to-hand combat. Reorganizing his depleted units following the bitter conflict, he spearheaded a daring and skillful enveloping maneuver, striking the enemy by surprise on the right flank and destroying many emplacements as he continued the final drive up the steep slope in the face of heavy automatic weapons and grenade fire to secure the objective with a total loss to the enemy of more than 300 dead and wounded. By his gallant and forceful leadership, great personal valor and fortitude maintained in the face of overwhelming odds, Captain BARROW aided immeasurably in insuring the safe passage of the First Marine Division through this hazardous pass, and his inspiring devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.[8]

Interwar years

In February 1956, Barrow began an 18-month tour with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. From the summer of 1957 to the summer of 1960, he served as the Marine Officer Instructor, at the Tulane University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. In September 1959, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.[5] Barrow graduated from the National War College in June 1968.[5]

Vietnam War

Barrow served in the Vietnam War as commanding officer of the 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division (Rein) and was a Deputy G-3 in the III Marine Amphibious Force. While in command of the 9th Marines, he saw combat near the DMZ, Khe Sanh, Da Krong Valley, and A Shau Valley. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism in Operation Dewey Canyon.[5]

Barrow's Distinguished Service Cross citation reads:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS to ROBERT H. BARROW (0-23471), COLONEL, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters, Ninth Marine Regiment, Third Marine Division (Reinforced). Colonel BARROW distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period from 22 January to 18 March 1969 while commanding a regiment in Operation DEWEY CANYON in Quang Tri Province. Throughout the eight-week campaign in the Da Krong and A Shau Valleys, Colonel BARROW remained with the forward elements of his command, directing their insertion into enemy-held territory. Despite adverse flying conditions, he made numerous low-level reconnaissance flights in his command helicopter. Under his supervision, his troops swept the determined North Vietnamese forces back to the Laotian border, decimating countless fortifications and base camps and confiscating prodigious quantities of communist weapons and munitions. Despite the continuous hostile artillery and rocket bombardment of his command post, he persisted in retaining his position in close proximity to the enemy activity. During one concentrated attack on his post, he repeatedly exposed himself to the withering hostile fusillade in order to direct the repulsion of the enemy. After the two-month operation, his regiment confirmed over one thousand three hundred dead and accounted for tremendous amounts of captured North Vietnamese equipment. Colonel BARROW'S extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps.[9][10]

General officer

In August 1969, Barrow was promoted to brigadier general, then deployed to Japan to serve as commanding general at Camp Butler in Okinawa. He received a Legion of Merit for his three years of service and left Okinawa as a major general select. On promotion to major general, he became commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island.

Barrow was promoted to lieutenant general in 1975 and assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps as deputy chief of staff for manpower. In 1976, he was named commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, at Norfolk, Virginia. In July 1978, Barrow became the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, serving until July 1979 when he became the Commandant of the Marine Corps. From 1978 to 1979, Barrow also served as president of the Marine Corps Association.[11]

Barrow was the first commandant to serve, by law, as a regular full member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As commandant, "he was instrumental in acquiring approval of production for the Marine Corps of the American-modified Harrier aircraft, in awakening interest in new and improved naval gunfire support, in getting amphibious ships included in the navy's new construction programs, and in returning hospital ships to the fleet, especially on station with Marine Corps amphibious task forces."[5]

In 1981, Barrow received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement presented by Awards Council member General David C. Jones, USAF.[12]

Barrow retired from the Marine Corps on 30 June 1983, and was presented with the Navy Distinguished Service Medal upon retirement.

Military awards

Barrow's decorations, awards, and badges include:[3][13]

1st Row	Navy Cross			Army Distinguished Service Cross			Defense Distinguished Service Medal w/ one oak leaf cluster			Navy Distinguished Service Medal			Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
2nd Row	Army Distinguished Service Medal			Silver Star Medal[14]			Legion of Merit w/ two ​^5⁄16" gold stars and Combat "V"			Bronze Star Medal w/ one ​^5⁄16" gold star and Combat "V"
3rd Row	Joint Service Commendation Medal w/ one oak leaf cluster			Combat Action Ribbon (Vietnam)			Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ one ​^3⁄16" bronze star			Army Presidential Unit Citation
4th Row	Navy Unit Commendation			Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation w/ one ​^3⁄16" bronze star			China Service Medal			American Campaign Medal
5th Row	Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/ one ​^3⁄16" bronze star			World War II Victory Medal			National Defense Service Medal w/ one ​^3⁄16" bronze star			Korean Service Medal w/ four ​^3⁄16" bronze stars
6th Row	Vietnam Service Medal w/ four ​^3⁄16" bronze stars			National Order of Vietnam, Knight degree			Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ two Palms			Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
7th Row	Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross) w/ Palm			Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Medal) w/ Palm			United Nations Korea Medal			Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 1960– Device

Post-military career

After Barrow's retirement from the Marine Corps, he was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board and to the president's Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management.[15]

In 1983, a letter from Barrow to Caspar W. Weinberger was released by the Pentagon. In the letter, Barrow criticized Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, saying that the Israelis were firing on United States troops, among other things. Israel denied the charges.[1]

Barrow's wife of 53 years, Patty, died in 2005.

Funeral of General Robert H. Barrow.

Barrow died on October 30, 2008, at the age of 86.[16] He was survived by his sons Charles C. Pulliam, of Greenville, South Carolina, and Robert H. Barrow, a retired lieutenant colonel of Marines, of Tampa, Florida; his daughters Cathleen P. Harmon, of Killeen, Texas, Barbara B. Kanegaye, of Houston, Texas, and Mary B. Hannigan, of Oakton, Virginia, eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.[1]

Barrow was buried with full military honors on November 3, 2008. The service was held at Grace Episcopal Church and Cemetery in St. Francisville, the seat of West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. The Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James T. Conway, delivered the eulogy, recognizing Barrow for his many initiatives ranging from recruiting to training; while former Commandant General Carl Mundy presented the burial colors to Barrow's next of kin.[17]

See also

• List of United States Marine Corps four-star generals
• List of Navy Cross recipients for the Korean War

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.

1. Martin, Douglas (October 31, 2008). "Robert Barrow, A Marine Corps Reformer Who Became Commandant, Dies At 86". New York Times. p. B10.
2. Barrow enlisted in 1942 and was commissioned in 1943.
3. "General Robert H. Barrow" (PDF). Office of Public Affairs, LSU. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-04. Retrieved 2008-01-26.
4. Barrow received an honorary doctorate of science from Louisiana State University in 1990.
5. "General Robert H. Barrow, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. United States Marine Corps History Division. Archived from the original on 2012-04-18. Retrieved November 11, 2008.
6. Weil, Martin (2008-11-02). "Robert Barrow, 86; Four-Star General Led Marine Corps". Washington Post. Washington, DC. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
7. Camp, Richard D. (2006). Leatherneck Legends – Conversations with the Marine Corps' Old Breed. Zenith Press. pp. 84–87. ISBN 0-7603-2157-4. OCLC 64743738.
8. "Navy Cross Recipients". Korean War Educator. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
9. "U.S. Marine Corps Recipients – Vietnam". Full Text Citations For Award of The Distinguished Service Cross. HomeofHeroes.com. Retrieved 12 January 2009.
10. Headquarters: US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2945 (August 4, 1969)
11. "Marine Corps Association Presidents & Chairmen of the Board (1976–2006)" (PDF). Marine Corps Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2009.
12. "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement". www.achievement.org. American Academy of Achievement.
13. Conway, James T. (31 October 2008). "FOLLOW ON MESSAGE ON THE DEATH OF GENERAL ROBERT H. BARROW, 27TH COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS". ALMAR 047/08. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
14. "Silver Star Citations submitted to KWE". Korean War Educator. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
15. "Appointment of General Robert H. Barrow as a Member of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board". Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. January 6, 1984. Retrieved 2006-11-19.
16. Lamothe, Dan (October 31, 2008). "Former commandant Barrow dies at 86". Marine Corps Times. Archived from the original on February 23, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2008.
17. Labranche, Cpl. Frans E. (November 4, 2008). "Marine Corps honor 27th commandant". Marine Corps News. United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on November 12, 2008. Retrieved November 8, 2008.

• Allan Reed Millett; Jack Shulimson, eds. (2004). Commandants of the Marine Corps. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. pp. 437–456. ISBN 978-0-87021-012-9.
• General Robert H. Barrow from Keystone Marines

External links

• LPB – General Robert H. Barrow
• "General Robert H. Barrow, USMC (Deceased)". United States Marine Corps History Division. Archived from the original on 2015-09-22. Retrieved 15 April 2014.