KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Pfc. Charles D. Barger, a World War I Soldier and recipient of the Medal of Honor was honored when an Army Reserve Center was memorialized after him on Oct. 19 here. The ceremony was hosted by the 89th Sustainment Brigade.
A Missouri native, Barger earned the Medal of Honor while serving as a Chauchat automatic rifle gunner during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. He and another Soldier entered no man’s land despite heavy fire and rescued three wounded Soldiers. Barger was assigned to Company L, 354th Infantry Regiment, 89th Division.
Among the official party were Brig. Gen. John Aarsen, commander of the 451st Expeditionary Support Command; Col. Michael Beane, previous commander of the 89th SB; and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronnie Farmer, 88th Readiness Command. The 312th Army Band Woodwind Ensemble performed, and the 89th SB color guard supported the event.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Greg Mason, chair of the Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; Major Daniel Gates, commander of the South Patrol District, Kansas City Police Department; and Dr. Matthew Naylor, president and CEO of the World War I Museum and Memorial. Barger family members also attended.