[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 100 (Tuesday, June 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF JOHN RODGERS BARNES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2008

  Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
the life and memory of a true American hero, John Rodger Barnes. John 
was a long-time resident of Southern California and passed away at his 
Indian Hills home on February 15, 2008.
  John attended schools in Mansfield and briefly studied law at Boston 
University. It was there in Mansfield that he met and married his 
lifelong companion, Alice T. Barnes of Brockton, Massachusetts, in 
1940. The young couple began their family at their home on a small farm 
there in Mansfield. When World War II began, John was working at 
Harvard University and in 1943 he joined the U.S. Navy, later serving 
in the Pacific Theater with the Navy Seabees. It was there on the 
island of Saipan, at Leyte, and later in the Philippines that he 
distinguished himself in fierce battle earning several medals for valor 
including six Bronze Battle Stars.
  He also participated in battles at Tinian, the Lingayen Gulf, Luzon 
and Okinawa Island and was on a ship anchored near Japan when the order 
to drop the first atomic bomb was issued. Following the war, John 
returned to his Mansfield farm until 1950 when he and Alice moved with 
their 5 children to Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.
  In 1959, John moved his family to Southern California but later 
joined the Chrysler Corporation as a leader in its tool and die 
operation. Following his retirement there he and Alice moved back to 
Southern California and lived at the Galleano Winery in Mira Loma until 
her death in 1997. The majority of his retirement was spent in Southern 
California where he continued to enjoy his good health, reading many 
fine books, watching the birds and squirrels, and penning scores of 
editorial letters to several local papers.
  John was survived by his children Barry, David Harding, Doreen 
Elizabeth, and Ellen Judith, his brothers Sam and Peter and sisters 
Rosalee and Margot. His son John Rodgers and siblings Clarence, Jane, 
David and Thomas all preceded him in death.
  The success of his children and grandchildren always gave John great 
pride often saying that they ``did well because I didn't interfere.'' A 
highly decorated combat veteran, a talented and distinguished 
technician and a loving and caring father, John imparted his values and 
virtues on his large and wonderful family, the several communities he 
served and the many precious lives he touched so gently. He will be 
truly missed by all so fortunate to have been touched by his kindness.

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