Today is a day to honor and remember the incredible leadership and courage of William Barber, as well as all of the Marines of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, who fought off at least a communist Chinese regiment to protect their fellow Marines withdrawing from the Chosin Reservoir.

For six days and five nights, Barber and his Marines defended the vital position at Toktong Pass. Though orders to fall back, Barber refused to retreat because he knew how vital the pass was to ensuring the survival of the First Marine Division.

The Marines fought in subzero temperatures and were facing five times their own number. Barber was wounded on the second day when a ricochet fractured his pelvis, but he refused other be evacuated.

Marine air support and artillery kept Barber’s Marines supplied and styled the Chinese communist troops. On the sixth day, Lieutenant Colonel Ray Davis linked up with Barber’s Marines and allowed them to join the fighting retreat to Hagu-Ri.

Only 82 of Barber’s original 246 Marines walked out of Toktong pass. Barber was evacuated to Japan and then the United States. 

On August 20, 1952, Barber receive the Medal of Honor. H had previously earned the Silver Star as a First Lieutenant on Iwo Jima.

Barber went on to a long career in the Marine Corps, including service in Vietnam, retiring as a Colonel in 1970 and passing away in 2002.

Please honor and remember this amazing American and incredible leader of Marines.