Purple Heart UN Service Medal
Corporal Malen William Barker was born in May of 1928.He lived in Saxonville and graduated from Framingham High School (FHS) with the Class of 1948.He joined the Army two years later. Following his initial training,he was assigned to the Army’s Third Infantry Division (3rd ID) as a member of the 7th Infantry Regiment (in Company I).The 3rd ID fought with distinction during World War II,participating in four amphibious landings and combat in North Africa,Italy,Sicily, France,Germany,and Austria.During the Korean War,the division played a crucial role in the defense of South Korea (1950-1953).When North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950,the 3rd ID was one of 10 active divisions in the US Army.Early in the conflict,General Douglas MacArthur specifically asked for the 3rd ID for his Far East Command.The division served with distinction in Korea and became known as “The Fire Brigade”for quickly moving to cover breaks in the United Nations (UN) lines.
3rd ID Patch
The UN’s May–June 1951 counteroffensive was launched in response to the Chinese Communist Forces spring offensive of April-May 1951.On 23 May,Corporal Barker’s 7th Infantry Regiment was engaged in heavy fighting in the vicinity of Soksa-Ri.On that day,he was killed in action,just four days from his 21st birthday.A historic marker dedicated to his name is located at the entrance to the rail trail in Saxonville.
Image:FHC Collection
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