The Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Division was the only all-Hispanic Division to serve during the Korean War. It earned four Distinguished Service Crosses and 124 Silver Stars.
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In 1917, Congress stated that the United States needed "to make the world safe for democracy" and then declared war against Germany on April 6. With a combat strength of slightly over 200,000, the U.S. Army then ranked 17th in the world and had not conducted major operations above division level since the Civil War. By May of the same year, Congress had passed the Selective Service Act, eventually leading to over 24 million men registering for the draft. On July 4, Military leader John Pershing arrived in France and officially pledged the United States ' support. By November, the U.S. Army had trained 170,000 Soldiers and by spring of following year, they were ready to fight. On March 21, 1918, Germany launched their first offensive against the Americans, officially beginning the United States ' international fight for democracy.
 DAVID B. BARKELEY
Rank and organization: Private, Company A, 356th Infantry, 89th Division.
Place and date: Near Pouilly, France, 9 November 1918.
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. |
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