Robert Erwin Barton – Colonel, United States Army

From a contemporary press report

Robert Erwin Barton, 72, a retired Army colonel and infantry officer who served in World War II and Vietnam, died August 13, 1998 at home in Springfield, Virginia, of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Colonel Barton was born in Rock Island, Illinois, and he served in the Army in Europe during World War II.

He returned to civilian life after the war, then in 1948 reenlisted in the Army and won an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, where in his senior year he was first captain and brigade commander of the corps of cadets.

After graduation, he was commissioned an officer, later serving in Germany, Korea and Vietnam, Fort Polk, Louisiana, and as a faculty member at the U.S. Military Academy. He retired in 1976 as commander of the control and support agency at Army headquarters, after having served the last six years of his military career at the Pentagon. His decorations included a Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal.

For 10 years after his military retirement, Col. Barton was a government contracts specialist with BDM Services Co. in McLean.

Survivors include his wife, Joan Barton of Springfield; and three sons, Ken Barton of Pompano Beach, Fla., Eric Barton of Springfield and Rob Barton of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.


BARTON, ROBERT E., COL, US ARMY (Ret.)

On Thursday, August 13, 1998, beloved husband of Joan C. Barton; father of Kenneth G., Eric W. and Robert D. Barton. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Fort Myer Chapel (Old Post) on Monday, August 24 at 1:45 p.m. Interment Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Maryknoll Missionary Charities, PO Box 304, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0304; or Senior Employment Resources, 4201 John Marr Dr., Annandale, VA 22003.

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