Rex Barber Proclamation
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Volcanoguy
N 44° 23.534 W 121° 11.583
10T E 643913 N 4917026
Rex Barber Proclamation Sign near south end of old Hwy. 97 Bridge at Peter Skene Ogden Scenic Wayside.
Waymark Code: WMKQ9
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 08/10/2006
Views: 152
Sign near south end of old Hwy. 97 Bridge at Peter Skene Ogden Scenic Wayside.
Marker Name: Proclamation
Marker Text: Office of the Governor, State of Oregon
WHEREAS: Oregon native Rex T. Barber was a celebrated combat ace during World War II, flying 138 wartime combat missions while showing remarkable courage; and
WHEREAS: Rex T. Barber’s attack unit successfully intercepted the bomber carrying Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander of the Japanese Combined Fleet and strategist behind the attack of Pearl Harbor, and Admiral Yamamoto’s plane was shot down on April 18, 1943 by Rex T. Barber; and
WHEREAS: Rex T. Barber, with nearly-inconceivable flying skill, safely returned to base with 104 bullet holes in his plane; and
WHEREAS: In all of the aerial combat of American fighter missions, Rex T. Barber’s determination to press his attack and destroy the airplane carrying Admiral Yamamoto is unequaled, having changed the course of history; and
WHEREAS: The downing of five enemy planes and his countless combat missions over China and the Pacific earned Rex T. Barber the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, the Purple Heart, and numerous other military decorations; and
WHEREAS: Colonel Barber after leaving military service returned to Oregon, was elected Mayor of Culver and served as a volunteer firefighter, Justice of the Peace, and Little League coach; and
WHEREAS: Mr. Barber’s distinguished military career and community service serve as an example to us all and are well worthy of recognition.
NOW, THEREFORE: I, Theodore R. Kulongoski, Governor of the State of Oregon, herby proclaim April 18, 2003 to be REX T. BARBER DAY
And recognize the newly-constructed bridge of Highway 97 over the Crooked River in Jefferson County as Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge, to honor all who sacrificed so much in service to our county, and encourage all Oregonians to join in this observance.
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