References
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USA | VIEW SOURCE |
John Francis “Fritz” Barry was born on 12 May 1909 in Norwalk Connecticut to Irish-American parents. He was educated at local schools and was employed with the U.S. Postal service when he was called up for service in 1942.
He served in the First Armored Division in the African Campaign as a Sherman tank gunner in North Africa. He took part in the Battle of Mateur where the tank that he and two other gunners were operating one night in May 1943 on Hill 609 was hit by gunfire. John Barry was the sole survivor who lay injured for over 24 hours before assistance arrived. He was hospitalised in a cast for over 100 days and was awarded a Purple Heart in December 1943 when he was medically discharged.
He was fortunate enough to be able to return home where he married and raised a family. He continued his career as a postman in Norwalk and died on 7 June 1968 and he is buried in St Mary’s Cemetery, Norwalk.
| Additional Information | ||
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| Date of Birth | 12th May 1909 | |
| Date of Death | 7th Jun 1968 | |
