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DEL.ICIO.USThe ‘killed in action’ key
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Forward Operating Base Yusufiyah, Iraq — The KIA truck key is bent at a nearly 90-degree angle.
Spc. Thomas Barron, who grew up in Columbus, calls it his “killed in action” key. He keeps it in his backpack beside his bunk. It reminds him of a certain night last month.
Louie Favorite/AJC
Barron is not sure if he hit the driver or if the driver triggered the bomb too soon.
Barron was perched on a rooftop near a bridge spanning the Euphrates River. The sun was setting. Several other soldiers were sleeping or relaxing on a floor below him. Some were in a neighboring building.
Barron saw a blue KIA truck barreling toward their outpost. He knew something was wrong. It was traveling too fast. He could see a young man in the driver seat.
There was no time to fire warning shots. Barron started yelling “VBIED” to his buddies below, short for vehicle borne improvised explosive device. He blasted the windshield with his M-16.
“I was pulling as fast as I could on the trigger. I had an unbelievable amount of adrenaline at the time,” said Barron, 29, a medic with the 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment.
Just as the truck entered a gap in the surrounding concertina wire, it exploded. It left a 6-foot wide crater. The engine block landed about 30 meters away. When it exploded, the truck was within 40 meters of the building. One soldier was wounded by shrapnel.
Barron is not sure if he hit the driver or if the driver triggered the bomb too soon.
“His attention to his duty and his professionalism saved us all,” said Barron’s platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Brian Green, 40, of Aragon, Ga.
A fellow soldier found the KIA key lying near the blast crater and gave it to Barron, whose unit has recommended him for a commendation.
“Anything less than a Bronze Star,” Green said, “would be laughable.”
Comments
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By Sheryl(proud wife of Spc.Barron)
October 14, 2005 02:56 PM | Link to this
The kids and I are so proud of you. You are a smart and strong soldier, fire/medic, husband and daddy. I’m so thankful that the angels were around you that day and the God gave you the strength and wisdom to defeat your enemy. We thank God for his protection. I know you dont like the term hero and that you feel as if you were just doing your job but you have and always will be my hero. Bronze star or not. We love you and miss you like crazy. The kids and I are doing just fine and all is well on the home front. We are just counting the days until you get R&R and we can spend time together and go on that much needed vacation. I love you with all my heart and I’m so glad I married my best friend. Hugs and kisses my love. your faithful wife Sheryl P.S daddy thanks for getting the bad guy. Be safe. We miss you. Elizabeth, Christopher,& Bryan
By Deborah G. Barron
October 14, 2005 06:20 PM | Link to this
To our son, Spec. Barron, We are proud of you and your unit. They called you energizer in football and you made a good play that night. We are thankful for our Heavenly Father who provided you with the strength and speed when necessary. We are thankful for the army of Angels watching over you and your unit. We pray for Gods Speed to protect and bring you and your unit home to your families soon. Stay safe, strong, and God Bless. We love you,
Mother and Dad
By Schneider Family
October 14, 2005 09:23 PM | Link to this
GREAT Job Spc. Barron!!! We are so proud to know you and your lovely wife and children.
Can’t wait to see you!!!!
By Pete Schneider
October 14, 2005 11:12 PM | Link to this
Great Job Chris - Hooah Blacksheep. You are one of many reasons why “B” Co 1-121 should be over here. See you down south Brother. SGT Pete Schneider
By randy downs
October 16, 2005 12:05 PM | Link to this
FROM STATION ONE GREAT JOB CHRIS.YOUR IN ARE THOUGHTS AND PRAYER. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD FOR RETURN TO COLUMBUS FIRE DEPT.
By wes barron
October 17, 2005 08:19 AM | Link to this
Great job bro, We miss you and will see you soon. You are truly a hero. With love, Wes, Michelle, Dyllan, and Weston.
By Linda Healton
October 18, 2005 11:22 AM | Link to this
Great story on your hubby Sheryl..I know you must be proud. Keep up the good work guys and come home safely.
By Robert Givens
October 18, 2005 12:51 PM | Link to this
Great job Chris! I’m looking forward to seeing you on your return to Columbus. Your cousin, Robert
By Joey Givens
October 18, 2005 04:25 PM | Link to this
Great Job Chris. We are all very proud of you and your unit. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Joey, Denise, Becki, Brandon, and Cory
By Mrs. Leo W. Givens
October 19, 2005 10:10 AM | Link to this
To my grandson, Spc. Barron, I am so very proud of you and your unit. I know Pop would be too. You are in my thoughts and prayers at all times. Stay safe, strong. Love, Nanna Jo, Mrs. Leo W. Givens
By Mrs. Grady W. Barron
October 19, 2005 10:36 AM | Link to this
To my grandson, Spc. Barron, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am proud of you and your unit. Stay safe. I love you, Grandmamma Mrs Grady W. Barron