Troy C. Barkley

Aviation Radioman Second Class, United States Navy

Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart

Troy was the son of James Elmer and Myrah Murddie Phillips Barkley who married about 1916. Troy's siblings were James Leland (died young), and his twin brother Roy Gene Barkley. His mother, Myrah, age 25, died unexpectedly on 14 Apr. 1921 less than a year after the birth of her twins. Her son James was less than 2 years old when he died on 15 Jan 1920. Faced with the daunting situation of caring for twin 1 year old boys, James Sr was forced to seek help from relatives. His sons were cared for by family until he married Velora Luna about 1923. Then he brought Roy back to live with he and his new wife. Troy went to live with his maternal uncle, Claudie Bedford (C.B.) and his wife Mattie (Bell) Phillips who had a pre-teen son of their own. Troy probably did well during the years before 1931. Unfortunately, C.B. died suddenly a week before Christmas 1931 age 48. Mattie, her son, Lee Allen Phillips, grown and out in the world, was left to raise the 11 year old Troy by herself as well as run their small farm. Troy was able to continue school graduating from Falkner high school about 1938. It wasn't too long after his graduation that Troy decided to enlist in the US Navy. It isn't known whether or not Mattie had legal guardianship over Troy or whether his father maintained custody.

Troy was accepted for enlistment in the US Navy (NSN: 295-53-03) in late 1939 for four years as an Apprentice Seaman (AS) after securing permission from the person who had authority to do so. He was sent to the Naval Training Station (NTS) Norfolk, VA in late December 1939 for nine weeks of recruit training. He completed that training in mid-February 1940. He was detached from NTS Norfolk and boarded a cross-country train arriving at the receiving ship in San Diego on 26 Feb 1940. AS Barkley transferred the same day to Torpedo Squadron Three (VT-3). Not long after reporting for duty he reported for temporary duty at NTS, San Diego and the 20 week Radioman Class "A" service school. Barkley advanced quickly through the ranks over the next two plus years; Seaman Second Class (S2c), Seaman First Class (S1c), Aviation Radioman Third Class (ARM3), and finally Aviation Radioman Second Class (ARM2).

Saratoga was in a refit/overhaul status most of 1941, therefore, her attached squadrons, including VT-3, were based at various Naval Air Stations in Hawaii or the west coast. On 07 Dec 1941, Saratoga was entering San Diego to embark her air group, which were ashore while she was undergoing refit. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Saratoga became the flagship of an unsuccessful American effort to relieve Wake Island. A few weeks later on 11 Jan 1942 Saratoga was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. She steamed to Pearl Harbor for temporary repairs arriving on 13 Jan 1942. She returned to the Bremerton Navy Yard for permanent repairs on 09 Feb 1942. During the yard period Saratoga's embarked squadrons were transferred elsewhere. VT-3 was assigned first to NAS Pearl Harbor at Ford Island then to NAS Kaneohe Bay on Hawaii.

On 28 May 1942, the squadron was temporarily reassigned to the aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown (CV-5). Aviation squadrons from Air Group Three flew on board Yorktown shortly after she got underway from Pearl Harbor in company with the USS Hornet (CV-8) and USS Enterprise (CV-6). They steamed to a point on the navigation chart nicknamed "Point Luck" to await the arrival of the Japanese Striking Force, which was steaming from Japan to attack Midway Island.

On the morning of 4 Jun 1942, Ltjg Richard W. Suesens and gunner/radioman ARM2 Barkley launched their torpedo plane with the rest of Air Group Three from the Yorktown to find and attack the Japanese carrier force that was approaching Midway. They found their targets and commenced their attack through overwhelming numbers of opposing fighters and a hail of anti-aircraft fire. Of the twelve VT-3 torpedo planes that took off from the Yorktown that morning only two survived the attack, but had to ditch. Three of the four crewman survived and were rescued by friendly forces. Ltjg Suesens and Petty Officer Barkley did not return and were declared missing in action on 04 June 1942. Their remains were unrecoverable. Barkley's next of kin were notified on 18 June by the Navy Department that Troy was missing in the service of his country. Both men were declared presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943.

Petty Officer Barkley was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. All of the remaining awards were presented posthumously because they were approved after he was presumed dead. Those medals were the Purple Heart, American Defense Service medal w/Fleet Clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and one bronze battle star and the World War II Victory Medal. After his death at Midway, Barkley received another honor in his home town; the local VFW was named in his honor.

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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Troy C. Barkley, Aviation Radioman Second Class, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight in the Battle of Midway. As gunner of a Torpedo Squadron THREE airplane he participated in a torpedo plane attack against Japanese naval forces on 4 June 1942. Disregarding the extreme danger from intense anti-aircraft fire, assisting in repelling overwhelming fighter forces with vigorous and heroic determination, thereby aiding his squadron in pressing home the attack. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 312 (March 1943)

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Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, Mississippi) - 09 Feb 1943, Tue - Page 1

Troy C. Barkley Of Falkner, Miss., Is Given Flying Cross

Washington, Feb 8 -- (AP) -- Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to 11 enlisted men for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as gunners in torpedo and bombing planes in attacks against Japanese in the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942, was announced today by the Navy. Identical citations went to seven of the gunners for "disregarding the extreme danger from intense anti-aircraft fire, assisting in repelling overwhelming fighter forces with vigorous and heroic determination, thereby aiding his squadron in pressing home the attack." Among the recipients of these letters were: Troy C. Barkley, aviation radioman 2nd class, 22, of Falkner, Miss., listed as missing in action. His father, James E. Barkley, lives in Ripley, Miss.

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Honor Scroll

His family also received a scroll from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in commemoration of Petty Officer Barkley. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Troy C. Barkley, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. YORKTOWN, 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.

(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,

President of the United States

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None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, “The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . “ The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat is the Air Medal.

[Bio compiled by GML470]

Find A Grave memorial #56114682