#VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Robert Eugene Barney

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Robert Eugene Barney. Robert served from 1940 to July 1961.

Robert initially flew as a gunner with the Air Force. He provided air support while stationed on Oahu, Hawaii during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Robert went on to graduate from Roswell Air Force Base in New Mexico, becoming an aircraft commander and was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant.

Robert was sent to England to fly as a B-17 aircraft commander with the 8th Air Force and 385th Bomb Group units. After 18 successful missions, his aircraft was shot down in April 1944 during a mission in Berlin, Germany. Robert was taken as a prisoner of war and held at the Luftweffe-run camp, Stalog Luft III, which detained allied captives. After a year behind enemy lines, Robert escaped with a fellow American soldier and was rescued by the 14th Armored Division. He continued to fly in the Air Force for six more years serving in Illinois, Texas, California, New York and Guam. Robert went on to write the book “Bullet Proof” about his experience as a prisoner of war.

Robert retired from the Air Force in July 1961 and passed away in March 2012 surrounded by loved ones in Anaheim, California.

We honor your service, Robert.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic By Antonio Roberson: Antonio Roberson is a Information Systems Major from The University or North Carolina at Greensboro. He currently serves as a Digital Media Specialist.