HOMETOWN:

Panama City, Panama

VEHICLE TYPE:

T28B

"My name is Davis Barber, I am his grandson.  I never knew him because my mother was only five years old when he died. I don't really have any good times to talk about, but I have many stories that have been told by his widow, my grandmother. From those stories I learned that he was a great guy and we had a lot in common.
Did you know him?  What was he like?  Was he a brave fighter pilot?"

He accepted a regular commission and stayed in.  I took my release from active duty and returned home to complete my education and start my own family.  My wife and his kept in touch every Christmas and after he was declared MIA we visited her in Florida and she and her three kids visited us in Ohio.  

To his grandson I would say he was a superb pilot, professionally very proficient and always ready to volunteer for the necessary task irrespective of risk. Was he brave? ... they ALL were! He died flying combat in an obsolete unarmored training plane (T-28B) in order to preserve Kennedy's 'spin' that Americans were 'only advisors' to the ARVN. I think of him often. Gob Bless all who serve and have served in the past. To those who came home 'Welcome Back' to those like Bob, who did not, 'We Remember.'"