World War II Coast Guard Veteran to be honored at Mississippi Armed Forces Museum | Events

The following is a press release from Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center:

World War II Coast Guard Veteran, William “Bill” Barnes of Clarksdale, will be honored at the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby on Nov. 16, at 10 a.m.

Barnes, age 92, served aboard a U.S. Coast Guard patrol vessel in Pacific combat zones during World War II and is credited with shooting down 3 enemy aircraft and assisting in the downing of 2 others. He is currently terminally ill and is receiving hospice care. Barnes’ last wish was to donate his military uniform and other mementos to the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum to honor the Coast Guard and all military members who have served in the past and who are serving our nation today.

Honored guests scheduled to attend include U.S. Coast Guard active duty personnel from New Orleans, representatives from the offices of Congressman Gregg Harper, Mississippi’s 3rd congressional district and Congressman Steven Palazzo, Mississippi’s 4th congressional district to honor Barnes and his contributions to the military.

The Patriot Guard riders are scheduled to escort Barnes to the museum for his exhibit dedication.