Department of Defense announces death of Missouri Soldier in Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Jacob David Barton, 20, a native of Rolla, Mo., died of injuries sustained from a shooting incident on May 11 at Camp Liberty, Iraq. Barton was a member of 277th Engineer Company, 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 225th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division - Baghdad. The 277th Engineer Company, based in San Antonio, Texas, is conducting combat engineering missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.13.2009

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

BAGHDAD — The Department of Defense on May 13 announced the death of a Missouri Army Reserve Soldier serving in Iraq.

Pfc. Jacob David Barton, 20, a native of Rolla, Mo., died of injuries sustained from a shooting incident on May 11 at Camp Liberty, Iraq. The incident is under investigation.

Pfc. Barton was a member of 277th Engineer Company, 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 225th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division-Baghdad. The 277th Engineer Company, based in San Antonio, Texas, is conducting combat engineering missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Barton was a construction equipment repairer and worked in the company's maintenance platoon. Shortly after graduating from Rolla High School in 2008, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. He attended Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri with Alpha Company, 169th Engineer Battalion. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood with the 955th Engineer Company. He deployed to Baghdad, Iraq with the 277th Engineer Company.

In his spare time, Pfc. Barton enjoyed playing computer games and chatting online with his sister. He was always ready to help and willing to learn about the maintenance field, and was very humble and respectful of those around him.

"A man's character is defined by his actions, and Pfc. Jacob Barton, although a young man is a man we should look to as an example for ourselves and our children. He willingly chose to raise his right hand and serve his Country in a time of conflict. He died in the service of our Nation, as a brother-in-arms, and as a member of the Steel Spike team. We are shocked and saddened by his loss, and ask all of you to keep Jacob's grandmother and sister in your thoughts and prayers," said 46th Engineer Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Matthew Zajac.

"I want to offer my condolences to the family," said 46th Engineer Battalion Command Sgt. Major Frank Thibodeau. "Pfc. Barton joined the Army and volunteered for deployment during a time of war to support his nation. He did anything his unit ever asked him to do."

"Pfc. Barton was never disrespectful. He totally matured during the time he was with us," said Sgt. Piotr Szczepaniak, Barton's team leader. "You could never get angry with this guy. He was just a real good guy. I hope he's in a better place."

"Pfc. Barton was very generous and never thought of the cost to himself," said Spc. Daniel Castillo, Barton's roommate. "He was just a really simply guy. He never complained, he always just tried his best."

Barton's awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Overseas Service Ribbon.

• Date Taken: 05.13.2009
• Date Posted: 05.13.2009 12:02
• Story ID: 33569
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ