Barkley, John Lewis Collection
John Lewis Barkley was inducted into the army at Warrensburg, Mo. on September 20, 1917. He served overseas in Company K, 4th Infantry, 3rd Division from April 1918 to August 1919. Barkley received a Congressional Medal of Honor “for valor above and beyond the call of duty...near Cunel, France, October 7, 1918, while serving as private, first class, Company K, 4th Infantry, 3rd Division...” In addition to the Medal of Honor, Barkley received the British Distinguished Service Cross, the French Military Medal, the French War Cross, the Belgian War Cross, the Italian War Cross, and the Montenegrin Medal for Bravery.
His large 3-part collection consisting of letters, photographs, postcards, and certificates tells the story of a 22-year-old man from rural Henry County, Mo. who became one of the most decorated veterans in the state.
