Robert Eugene Barnhart

  "I had loved being a fighter pilot...I just loved this strafing around on the ground...First time it dawned on me, 'I'm just getting started.  I'm going to have to fly 50, 60 or 70 of these and there ain't no way in hell that I'm going to get out of this' ".


Audio Interview


ViVideo Interview Interview

Name:  Robert Eugene Barnhart
Date of Birth:  12/10/1921
Branch of Service:  Army Air Corps
Dates of Service:  June 1942 to May 1945
Location of Military Service:  Europe

   Mr. Barnhart enlisted in the Army Air Corps while still in college.  Eventually he went to flight school and then to fighter transition phase at Napier Field in Alabama.  He flew a P40 War Hawk there.  He was sent overseas to Liverpool England on the Louis Pasteur.  He had further training there as a combat pilot.  Mr. Barnhart flew 75 missions.  Mr. Barnhart was in the 8th Air Force, 356th Fighter Group, and the 360th Fighter Squadron.  He flew both P47s and P51s.  Mr. Barnhart received 7 Air Medals, The Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Distinguished Unit Citation.  He achieved the rank of Captain. 












Mr. Barnhart beside his P-51, the "Margie Darling", named after his wife.
Mr. Barnhart with his P-47



Mr. Barnhart's medals.  Top Row:  Air Medal with 7 clusters, Wings, Distinguished Flying Cross.
Bottom Row:  Insignia. European Theater Ribbon with 3 Battle Stars, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.


Mr. Barnhart with his wife, Margie.