John W. Barker was born in Syracuse, New York on December 25, 1872, the son of Frederick William Barker and Adelaide (King) Barker.[1] He was raised and educated in Syracuse, and graduated from Syracuse High School in 1889.[1] In November 1889 he was selected for appointment to the United States Military Academy (West Point).[2] He began attendance in 1890, graduated in 1894 ranked 49th of 54, and received his commission as a second lieutenant of Infantry.[3]
Early career
Barker was commissioned in the 9th Infantry Regiment, and was on post-graduation leave when he learned that his regiment was en route from Madison Barracks in Sackets Harbor, New York to Chicago to take part in the federal government's response to the Pullman Strike.[1] He volunteered to surrender his leave, joined the 9th Infantry when its train passed through Syracuse, and took part in the regiment's strike response activities.[1]
After completing the Army Staff College, Barker was detailed to temporary duty with the Signal Corps, and completed the Signal Officers Course in 1911.[7] Barker them rejoined the 3rd Infantry, which was assigned to the Philippines during the Moro Rebellion.[7] He was involved in several engagements on the island of Jolo, and was wounded at the Second Battle of Bud Dajo, which required him to be hospitalized for six weeks.[1][7] Barker received a second award of the Citation Star for his heroism.[4]
Later career
Barker served with the 3rd Infantry at Madison Barracks from April 1912 to June 1914, when he was invited to become a stagiaire (student and intern) with the French Army.[7] Barker was assigned to a French regiment, but served only briefly because World War I commenced in July 1914.[7] As a result, Barker was military attaché for Myron T. Herrick, the American Ambassador in Paris.[3][7]
Because the U.S. had not yet entered the war, President Woodrow Wilson designated Barker a neutral observer.[7] With the permission of the French Ministry of War, Barker was able to follow the movements of the French Army and made numerous contacts among France's military leaders.[3][7] He was promoted to major in July 1916, and continued in this role until June 1917, two months after the American entry into World War I.[7]
In June 1918, Barker returned to the United States, where he served in the office of the Adjutant General until his retirement. In October 1918, he was promoted to temporary brigadier general.[7]
In March 1919, with the war now over due to the armistice with Germany, Barker reverted to his permanent rank of lieutenant colonel.[7] He retired for disability in June 1920 and was advanced to colonel on the retired list in July 1920.[7]
Awards
Barker earned a Citation Star in both Cuba and the Philippines, which were converted to the Silver Star when the new award was created in 1932.[4] For his World War I service, Barker was a recipient of the French Legion of Honor (Officer) and Croix de guerre.[4]
Death and legacy
Barker died in New York City on May 14, 1924.[3] He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.[1] In 1930, the U.S. Congress passed legislation allowing the general officers of World War I to retire at their highest rank, and Barker's grade of brigadier general was posthumously restored.[3]
References
^ abcdefghiBarker, Robert M. (1930). "Obituary, John William Barker". Sixty-first Annual Report of the Association of the Graduates of the United States Military Academy. Newburgh, NY: Moore Printing Company. pp. 239–242 – via West Point Digital Library.
.jpg)
