Charles H. Barnes,

BARNES, GRIMES, REISNER

Posted By: Jeanie Belding (email)
Date: 12/26/2018 at 18:17:54

source: Waterloo Evening Courier, February 20, 1919, pg. 8

CO. B BOY WAS KILLED IN ACTION
Death of Charles H. Barnes Confirmed by Letters; Was Mexican Border Veteran

Pvt. Charles H. Barnes, formerly of Waterloo, met death gloriously on the field of battle while fighting with the Rainbow boys in France. He was killed in action Sept. 21, 1918, the confirmation of previous meager reports being received by his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Grimes, at Oelwein, in letters from Chaplain W.E. Robb and Lieut. A.E. Whittemore of the dead boy's company.
Charles Barnes, while living with his mother in Waterloo, enlisted in Co. B, national guard, two years previous to the war and served on the Mexican border with the local company. He remained with the Waterloo company when it was sent to Des Moines at the declaration of war and was transferred to the famous 168th division and went overseas with the Rainbow. He is survived by his mother and a brother, Lewis Barnes, of Oelwein, and a sister, Mrs. John Reisner, of Independence.

BURIED BY CHAPLAIN.
The chaplain's letter to Mrs. Grimes follows:
"As chaplain of the 168th Inf. I am writing you with deepest sympathy concerning the death of your son. You have no doubt received government notification before now.

"Your son, Charles H. Barnes, serial No. 100,220. Co. B, 168 Inf. was instantly killed by enemy fire while advancing with his platoon on Sept. 21 and was buried by me on the next day, about 500 yards northeast of Louisville farm. The grave is well marked with a cross bearing name and organization.

"It is the general opinion that all American soldiers buried in France will be taken to the United States eventually.

"You are no doubt, very proud of Charles, and you have every reason to be. Altho he made the supreme sacrifice he made it for the greatest cause and will receive his just reward from him we all love and trust."

MILITARY RECORD EXCELLENT.
From the letter from Lieut. Whittenmore additional details of the death of Pvt. Barnes are learned. He writes:
"I am very sorry to have to confirm the report that your boy was killed in action on Sept. 21. He was on duty at an out-post in the new line which had been established after the American attack. the enemy laid down a barrage on our front positions and your son was wounded slightly by one of the first shells. He remained bravely at his post and was hit a second time and instantly killed. His military record with the company was excellent. He was a member of the platoon which withstood the first attack made on this regiment. It took place, as you may remember, on March 5, in the Lorraine trenches. The platoon was awarded the croix de guerre by the French authorities for its valiant action at this time.

"May I extend to you the sympathy of all the men in this company who knew your son and who remember him kindly for his thoughtfulness and soldierly qualities."