Benjamin Barela, 86, of Flagstaff, passed away August 11, 2008. He was born in San Rafael, N.M., to Escolastica and Demetrio Barela on Sept. 10, 1921. He had seven siblings.
He was called to serve his country in the Army in 1942(29 Sep 1942 - 10 Nov 1945). He saw action in North Africa and Italy. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart for gallantry and bravery above and beyond the call of duty.
From "The War North of Rome: June 1944 - May 1945" By Thomas R. Brooks
German artillery fire pinned down the approaching Blue Devils on the forward slopes. Pfc Benjamin Barela, a G Company acting squad leader, managed to reach the hill top where with rifle and bayonet he killed seven, wounded two machine gunners and captured one prisoner. As the Divisional historian John P. Delany put it, he "worked on him until the Kraut revealed enemy positions." Barela brought mortar fire to bear, then led his squad in an assault that netted 40 more prisoners. His company was then free to move up.
He returned to New Mexico, where he met Tillie Marino, the woman he married and loved for 61 years.
Mr. Barela dedicated his life to the well being of his fellow man.
He is survived by his wife, his daughter, his son, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
---
http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=116409 has:
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(UNCONFIRMED - Citation Needed): Benjamin Barela, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 88th Infantry Division during World War II.
General Orders: Headquarters, 88th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 70 (1944)
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1930 Census, taken 4 Apr 1930, has Demitrio Barela, 45, wall plasterer, married since he was 25 to Escolastica, 41, married since she was 21, living in 17 Civil District, Valencia County, NM. Children are: George, m, 25, laborer in a lumber camp; Mariana, f, 18; Luzinda, f, 15; Thomasa, f, 12; Benjamin, m, 9; and Damacia, f, 7.
1940 Census, taken 4 Apr 1940, has Demitrio Barela, 62, laborer on a sheep farm, married to Escolastica, 54, living in San Rafael, Valencia County, NM. Children are: Benjamin, m, 19, laborer, and Damacia, f, 17. Also in the household is granddaughter Irene Ortiz, 4.
WWII Draft Cards, dated 1942, has Benjamin Barela of San Rafael, NM, 21, born 10 Sep 1921 in San Rafael, NM. Employer is Sata Fe. Next of kin is Ercolastica D Barela.
US WWII Army Enlistment Records have Benjamin Barela, born 1921, living in Valencia County, NM, enlisted 15 Sep 1942 in Santa Fe, NM. Civilian occupation is listed as unskilled transportation occupation. He is single, without dependents.
Enlisted Record and Report of Separation (WD AGO form 53-55), dated 10 Nov 1945, has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921 in San Rafael, NM, inducted 15 Sep 1942, enlisted 29 Sep 1942 in Santa Fe, NM, was a rifleman SCO 745, combat qualified - infantry. Battles and Campaigns were Rome-Arno and Northern Apennines. Decorations were: Combat infantry badge, EAME Theatre Medal with two bronze service stars, Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal. Wounds received in action: 11 Oct 1944 in Italy. Highest rank was S/Sgt.
US Public Records Index has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, living in Flagstaff, AZ in 1993 and 1996.
US Social Security Death Index has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, died 11 Aug 2008. Last residence was Flagstaff, AZ. SSN issued in NM.
US DoVA BIRLS Death File has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, enlisted 29 Sep 1942, released 10 Nov 1945, died 11 Aug 2008.
He was called to serve his country in the Army in 1942(29 Sep 1942 - 10 Nov 1945). He saw action in North Africa and Italy. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart for gallantry and bravery above and beyond the call of duty.
From "The War North of Rome: June 1944 - May 1945" By Thomas R. Brooks
German artillery fire pinned down the approaching Blue Devils on the forward slopes. Pfc Benjamin Barela, a G Company acting squad leader, managed to reach the hill top where with rifle and bayonet he killed seven, wounded two machine gunners and captured one prisoner. As the Divisional historian John P. Delany put it, he "worked on him until the Kraut revealed enemy positions." Barela brought mortar fire to bear, then led his squad in an assault that netted 40 more prisoners. His company was then free to move up.
He returned to New Mexico, where he met Tillie Marino, the woman he married and loved for 61 years.
Mr. Barela dedicated his life to the well being of his fellow man.
He is survived by his wife, his daughter, his son, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
---
http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=116409 has:
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(UNCONFIRMED - Citation Needed): Benjamin Barela, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 88th Infantry Division during World War II.
General Orders: Headquarters, 88th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 70 (1944)
-
1930 Census, taken 4 Apr 1930, has Demitrio Barela, 45, wall plasterer, married since he was 25 to Escolastica, 41, married since she was 21, living in 17 Civil District, Valencia County, NM. Children are: George, m, 25, laborer in a lumber camp; Mariana, f, 18; Luzinda, f, 15; Thomasa, f, 12; Benjamin, m, 9; and Damacia, f, 7.
1940 Census, taken 4 Apr 1940, has Demitrio Barela, 62, laborer on a sheep farm, married to Escolastica, 54, living in San Rafael, Valencia County, NM. Children are: Benjamin, m, 19, laborer, and Damacia, f, 17. Also in the household is granddaughter Irene Ortiz, 4.
WWII Draft Cards, dated 1942, has Benjamin Barela of San Rafael, NM, 21, born 10 Sep 1921 in San Rafael, NM. Employer is Sata Fe. Next of kin is Ercolastica D Barela.
US WWII Army Enlistment Records have Benjamin Barela, born 1921, living in Valencia County, NM, enlisted 15 Sep 1942 in Santa Fe, NM. Civilian occupation is listed as unskilled transportation occupation. He is single, without dependents.
Enlisted Record and Report of Separation (WD AGO form 53-55), dated 10 Nov 1945, has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921 in San Rafael, NM, inducted 15 Sep 1942, enlisted 29 Sep 1942 in Santa Fe, NM, was a rifleman SCO 745, combat qualified - infantry. Battles and Campaigns were Rome-Arno and Northern Apennines. Decorations were: Combat infantry badge, EAME Theatre Medal with two bronze service stars, Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal. Wounds received in action: 11 Oct 1944 in Italy. Highest rank was S/Sgt.
US Public Records Index has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, living in Flagstaff, AZ in 1993 and 1996.
US Social Security Death Index has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, died 11 Aug 2008. Last residence was Flagstaff, AZ. SSN issued in NM.
US DoVA BIRLS Death File has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, enlisted 29 Sep 1942, released 10 Nov 1945, died 11 Aug 2008.
Benjamin Barela, 86, of Flagstaff, passed away August 11, 2008. He was born in San Rafael, N.M., to Escolastica and Demetrio Barela on Sept. 10, 1921. He had seven siblings.
He was called to serve his country in the Army in 1942(29 Sep 1942 - 10 Nov 1945). He saw action in North Africa and Italy. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart for gallantry and bravery above and beyond the call of duty.
From "The War North of Rome: June 1944 - May 1945" By Thomas R. Brooks
German artillery fire pinned down the approaching Blue Devils on the forward slopes. Pfc Benjamin Barela, a G Company acting squad leader, managed to reach the hill top where with rifle and bayonet he killed seven, wounded two machine gunners and captured one prisoner. As the Divisional historian John P. Delany put it, he "worked on him until the Kraut revealed enemy positions." Barela brought mortar fire to bear, then led his squad in an assault that netted 40 more prisoners. His company was then free to move up.
He returned to New Mexico, where he met Tillie Marino, the woman he married and loved for 61 years.
Mr. Barela dedicated his life to the well being of his fellow man.
He is survived by his wife, his daughter, his son, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
---
http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=116409 has:
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(UNCONFIRMED - Citation Needed): Benjamin Barela, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 88th Infantry Division during World War II.
General Orders: Headquarters, 88th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 70 (1944)
-
1930 Census, taken 4 Apr 1930, has Demitrio Barela, 45, wall plasterer, married since he was 25 to Escolastica, 41, married since she was 21, living in 17 Civil District, Valencia County, NM. Children are: George, m, 25, laborer in a lumber camp; Mariana, f, 18; Luzinda, f, 15; Thomasa, f, 12; Benjamin, m, 9; and Damacia, f, 7.
1940 Census, taken 4 Apr 1940, has Demitrio Barela, 62, laborer on a sheep farm, married to Escolastica, 54, living in San Rafael, Valencia County, NM. Children are: Benjamin, m, 19, laborer, and Damacia, f, 17. Also in the household is granddaughter Irene Ortiz, 4.
WWII Draft Cards, dated 1942, has Benjamin Barela of San Rafael, NM, 21, born 10 Sep 1921 in San Rafael, NM. Employer is Sata Fe. Next of kin is Ercolastica D Barela.
US WWII Army Enlistment Records have Benjamin Barela, born 1921, living in Valencia County, NM, enlisted 15 Sep 1942 in Santa Fe, NM. Civilian occupation is listed as unskilled transportation occupation. He is single, without dependents.
Enlisted Record and Report of Separation (WD AGO form 53-55), dated 10 Nov 1945, has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921 in San Rafael, NM, inducted 15 Sep 1942, enlisted 29 Sep 1942 in Santa Fe, NM, was a rifleman SCO 745, combat qualified - infantry. Battles and Campaigns were Rome-Arno and Northern Apennines. Decorations were: Combat infantry badge, EAME Theatre Medal with two bronze service stars, Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal. Wounds received in action: 11 Oct 1944 in Italy. Highest rank was S/Sgt.
US Public Records Index has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, living in Flagstaff, AZ in 1993 and 1996.
US Social Security Death Index has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, died 11 Aug 2008. Last residence was Flagstaff, AZ. SSN issued in NM.
US DoVA BIRLS Death File has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, enlisted 29 Sep 1942, released 10 Nov 1945, died 11 Aug 2008.
He was called to serve his country in the Army in 1942(29 Sep 1942 - 10 Nov 1945). He saw action in North Africa and Italy. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart for gallantry and bravery above and beyond the call of duty.
From "The War North of Rome: June 1944 - May 1945" By Thomas R. Brooks
German artillery fire pinned down the approaching Blue Devils on the forward slopes. Pfc Benjamin Barela, a G Company acting squad leader, managed to reach the hill top where with rifle and bayonet he killed seven, wounded two machine gunners and captured one prisoner. As the Divisional historian John P. Delany put it, he "worked on him until the Kraut revealed enemy positions." Barela brought mortar fire to bear, then led his squad in an assault that netted 40 more prisoners. His company was then free to move up.
He returned to New Mexico, where he met Tillie Marino, the woman he married and loved for 61 years.
Mr. Barela dedicated his life to the well being of his fellow man.
He is survived by his wife, his daughter, his son, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
---
http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=116409 has:
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(UNCONFIRMED - Citation Needed): Benjamin Barela, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 88th Infantry Division during World War II.
General Orders: Headquarters, 88th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 70 (1944)
-
1930 Census, taken 4 Apr 1930, has Demitrio Barela, 45, wall plasterer, married since he was 25 to Escolastica, 41, married since she was 21, living in 17 Civil District, Valencia County, NM. Children are: George, m, 25, laborer in a lumber camp; Mariana, f, 18; Luzinda, f, 15; Thomasa, f, 12; Benjamin, m, 9; and Damacia, f, 7.
1940 Census, taken 4 Apr 1940, has Demitrio Barela, 62, laborer on a sheep farm, married to Escolastica, 54, living in San Rafael, Valencia County, NM. Children are: Benjamin, m, 19, laborer, and Damacia, f, 17. Also in the household is granddaughter Irene Ortiz, 4.
WWII Draft Cards, dated 1942, has Benjamin Barela of San Rafael, NM, 21, born 10 Sep 1921 in San Rafael, NM. Employer is Sata Fe. Next of kin is Ercolastica D Barela.
US WWII Army Enlistment Records have Benjamin Barela, born 1921, living in Valencia County, NM, enlisted 15 Sep 1942 in Santa Fe, NM. Civilian occupation is listed as unskilled transportation occupation. He is single, without dependents.
Enlisted Record and Report of Separation (WD AGO form 53-55), dated 10 Nov 1945, has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921 in San Rafael, NM, inducted 15 Sep 1942, enlisted 29 Sep 1942 in Santa Fe, NM, was a rifleman SCO 745, combat qualified - infantry. Battles and Campaigns were Rome-Arno and Northern Apennines. Decorations were: Combat infantry badge, EAME Theatre Medal with two bronze service stars, Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal. Wounds received in action: 11 Oct 1944 in Italy. Highest rank was S/Sgt.
US Public Records Index has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, living in Flagstaff, AZ in 1993 and 1996.
US Social Security Death Index has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, died 11 Aug 2008. Last residence was Flagstaff, AZ. SSN issued in NM.
US DoVA BIRLS Death File has Benjamin Barela, born 10 Sep 1921, enlisted 29 Sep 1942, released 10 Nov 1945, died 11 Aug 2008.
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