David B. Barkeley

Branch

U.S. Army

Era

World War I

Home state

Texas

Action

Pouilly, France

The citation

Official citation

When information was desired as to the enemy's position on the opposite side of the Meuse River, Pvt. Barkeley, with another soldier, volunteered without hesitation and swam the river to reconnoiter the exact location. He succeeded in reaching the opposite bank, despite the evident determination of the enemy to prevent a crossing. Having obtained his information, he again entered the water for his return, but before his goal was reached, he was seized with cramps and drowned.

Sources

• U.S. Army Medal of Honor citation index