Barr, Pvt. Carl H. 1895-1918

BARR, PORT

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 11/19/2011 at 16:56:13

Akron Register-Tribune
August 8, 1918

PRIVATE CARL BARR IS KILLED IN ACTION
ANOTHER AKRON YOUNG MAN MAKES SUPREME SACRIFICE ON FIELDS OF FRANCE
Meets Heroic Death July 26th, Fighting With Famous 168th Infantry, Rainbow Division, Against Prussian Guards at Second Battle of Marne.

In a telegram received Tuesday morning from the War Department at Washington D.C., Mrs. Sylvester Port, of this city, received the sad news that her son, Private Carl H. Barr, had been killed in action with the American forces in France on July 26, 1918. No further details were given. Thus, for the second time this year, the people of this community unite in profound sympathy with a family of a gallant soldier boy who willingly gave his life in the glorious cause of liberty and world democracy.

The date of his death, July 26, indicates he was engaged with his command in what is known as the Second Battle of Marne, which resulted in pushing the Huns back beyond the Vesle river, wherein the American soldiers demonstrated to the world their magnificent fighting qualities—particularly the men of the famous “fighting 168th” of the Rainbow division, of which Private Carl H. Barr was a member.

Carl H. Barr was the eldest son of Mrs. Sylvester Port. He was born in Akron, Iowa, August 8, 1895, and died at the age of 22 years, 11 months and 17 days. Besides his mother, he is survived by two sisters and two brothers. His father, Marion Barr, died here a number of years ago. Carl was an upright and industrious young man, and when the call came for volunteers in Co. K, Second Iowa Infantry, on March 29, 1917, he was one of our first boys to go to LeMars and enlist. Along with Albert Hoschler, the first Akron boy to make the supreme sacrifice in France on March 5th they year, Carl and several others young men here passed the examination and enlisted in Co. K at LeMars on April 9, 1917. There were in training there at Camp Faber until the camp was abandoned and the soldiers transferred to other departments. Privates Barr and Hoschler were among the men sent to Des Moines on August 30, 1917, and assigned to the Third Iowa Infantry. They were soon sent to Camp Mills, Hempstead, N.Y., where the Third Iowa was merged with the 168th, United States Infantry, 84th Brigade, 42nd Division, which became known as the Rainbow Division, being the first contingent of our National Army to go to France for active war service. They landed in France early in November 1917. Since that time the Rainbow Division has made a name for itself in the Great War that will endure for all time. Akron is playing a part in the Great War drama by contributing to the roll of honor with two heroic young men—Albert E. Hoschler and Carl H. Barr—whose memories will ever be kept green and honored in the years to come.

Appropriate memorial services for this young man who gave his life for his country will be conducted by Rev. L. M. Dorreen in the Akron M.E. church on Sunday, August 11, at 2:30 p.m. Private Barr is represented on the service flag of the M.E. Sunday School.