Barron Brothers
William Barron
1895-1918
Section: D12
Edward Barron
1899-1954
Section: D12
William and Edward Barron of Tonawanda were among the local men who joined the United States Marine Corps shortly after the United States entered World War I in 1917. They became part of the rapid military buildup that sent thousands of American troops overseas to France as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. The brothers were attached to the famous 5th Marine Regiment of the 2nd Division, one of the most heavily engaged American units of the war. They were among the early Marines sent into combat against German forces in France and spent months serving together in trenches, reserve positions, and active combat zones
In June 1918 the Marines were thrown into the fighting near Château-Thierry during the German spring offensives. The battles around Belleau Wood and Château-Thierry became some of the most important engagements involving American forces during the war. Both Barron brothers were wounded there. Edward Barron lost his right arm below the elbow during the fighting, while William Barron suffered severe wounds to his shoulder and lung. Despite their injuries, both survived long enough to be evacuated to military hospitals in France where they recovered together for a time before arrangements were made to return them to the United States.
Edward was sent home first and arrived in Tonawanda to a large welcome from family and community members who believed William would soon follow. Military authorities had informed the family that William was recovering and expected to return shortly afterward. However, before his transport arrived, word reached Tonawanda that William had died aboard the ship returning him home from France in 1918. His death transformed what had been planned as a celebration into a citywide memorial. A large military funeral procession began near Wheatfield and Oliver Streets and proceeded across the canal to City Cemetery. Newspapers reported that flags throughout the Tonawandas were lowered to half-staff in his honor.
William later received some of the nation’s highest military decorations for his actions in France, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, and two Silver Stars. His Distinguished Service Cross citation stated that on June 23, 1918, while serving as a runner with the 16th Company, 5th Regiment, 2nd Division, he repeatedly crossed ground swept by artillery, rifle, and machine-gun fire to deliver messages between units near Château-Thierry. After being seriously wounded during a heavy barrage, he continued toward his destination and insisted on personally delivering his message before collapsing from loss of blood.
Edward Barron survived the war and later trained as an electrician through veterans rehabilitation programs available to disabled servicemen after World War I. He lived another thirty-six years and was eventually buried beside his brother in City Cemetery.
In June 1918 the Marines were thrown into the fighting near Château-Thierry during the German spring offensives. The battles around Belleau Wood and Château-Thierry became some of the most important engagements involving American forces during the war. Both Barron brothers were wounded there. Edward Barron lost his right arm below the elbow during the fighting, while William Barron suffered severe wounds to his shoulder and lung. Despite their injuries, both survived long enough to be evacuated to military hospitals in France where they recovered together for a time before arrangements were made to return them to the United States.
Edward was sent home first and arrived in Tonawanda to a large welcome from family and community members who believed William would soon follow. Military authorities had informed the family that William was recovering and expected to return shortly afterward. However, before his transport arrived, word reached Tonawanda that William had died aboard the ship returning him home from France in 1918. His death transformed what had been planned as a celebration into a citywide memorial. A large military funeral procession began near Wheatfield and Oliver Streets and proceeded across the canal to City Cemetery. Newspapers reported that flags throughout the Tonawandas were lowered to half-staff in his honor.
William later received some of the nation’s highest military decorations for his actions in France, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, and two Silver Stars. His Distinguished Service Cross citation stated that on June 23, 1918, while serving as a runner with the 16th Company, 5th Regiment, 2nd Division, he repeatedly crossed ground swept by artillery, rifle, and machine-gun fire to deliver messages between units near Château-Thierry. After being seriously wounded during a heavy barrage, he continued toward his destination and insisted on personally delivering his message before collapsing from loss of blood.
Edward Barron survived the war and later trained as an electrician through veterans rehabilitation programs available to disabled servicemen after World War I. He lived another thirty-six years and was eventually buried beside his brother in City Cemetery.
Later William was awarded some of the military's top honors. This was what was written of his heroism:
War Department, General Orders No. 44 (1919) The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private William Lawrence Barron (MCSN: 94266), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Sixteenth Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, 23 June 1918. After making several successful journeys over an area swept by artillery, machine gun, and rifle fire, in his capacity as runner, Private Barron was caught in a heavy barrage and seriously wounded. By a superhuman effort he made his way to his objective, and, after being dragged into safety, insisted on personally delivering his message. He then fell exhausted from loss of blood. He was awarded two Silver Stars, a Navy Cross, and a Distinguished service cross.
War Department, General Orders No. 44 (1919) The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private William Lawrence Barron (MCSN: 94266), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Sixteenth Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, 23 June 1918. After making several successful journeys over an area swept by artillery, machine gun, and rifle fire, in his capacity as runner, Private Barron was caught in a heavy barrage and seriously wounded. By a superhuman effort he made his way to his objective, and, after being dragged into safety, insisted on personally delivering his message. He then fell exhausted from loss of blood. He was awarded two Silver Stars, a Navy Cross, and a Distinguished service cross.
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Sources: Historical Society of The Tonawandas, Newspapers.com, Ancestry.com, Familysearch.com
Futonhistory.com
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