Scarlet Fields, John Lewis Barkley
Scarlet Fields, John Lewis Barkley
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Scarlet Fields
The Combat Memoir of a World War I Medal of Honor Hero

Author: John Lewis Barkley

Narrator: Bob Souer

Unabridged: 7 hr 39 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 05/16/2017

Synopsis

A reconnaissance man and sniper, John Lewis Barkley served in Company K of the 4th Infantry Regiment, a unit that participated in almost every major American battle. The York-like episode that earned Barkley his Congressional Medal of Honor occurred on October 7, 1918, when he climbed into an abandoned French tank and singlehandedly held off an advancing German force, killing hundreds of enemy soldiers. But Barkley's memoir abounds with other memorable moments and vignettes, all in the words of a soldier who witnessed war's dangers and degradations but was not at all fazed by them.

Unlike other writers identified with the "Lost Generation," he relished combat and made no apology for having dispatched scores of enemy soldiers; yet he was as much an innocent abroad as a killing machine, as witnessed by second thoughts over his sniper's role, or by his determination to protect a youthful German prisoner from American soldiers eager for retribution. This Missouri backwoodsman and sharpshooter was also a bit of a troublemaker who smuggled liquor into camp, avoided promotions like the plague, and had a soft heart for mademoiselles and fräuleins alike.

About John Lewis Barkley

John Lewis Barkley was given the title of the most decorated soldier in the midwest. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on October 7, 1918 for single handily breaking up two German assaults on hill "253" that Allied forces were trying to hold. He also fixed a captured German machine gun, mounted it on a French tank, waited for the battle to surround him, and then opened fire on the Germans. Five minutes later a German with a 77 millimeter gun opened fire on his tank striking the steering wheel. He remained at his post and when the firing stopped broke a second counter attack enabling the Allied forces to gain the hill. He was cited for bravery and was presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor by U.S. General John Pershing.

Barkley was a Private, First Class, U.S. Army, Company K, fourth infantry, third division. He was in World War I and received the nation's highest military award for bravery. He was also a member of the Kansas City police department as a detective.

Reviews

Goodreads review by KOMET

Recently, I bought this memoir on the recommendation of a Goodreads friend. Two days ago, I began to read it and finished it a few minutes ago (it's 8:59 PM EST now). Barkley, at first, was rejected for Army service because of a stutter he had. But, with the help of a doctor on his local draft board......more

Goodreads review by Joyce

A warrior’s perspective History textbooks chronicle the conflicts leading to World War I along with the economic and political underpinnings. But this is a front line account of a soldier’s experience. This is the real deal. Read it in a day and reflect on the sacrifices of the working class in times......more

Goodreads review by Aaron

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a very quick and easy read. I had read other soldier's narratives but this was the first American one I had read. I enjoyed the way the book was written and how it flowed from one scene to another. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone int......more

Goodreads review by Harker US Library

Scarlet Fields is the American doppleganger to the French "The Price of Glory." It is the simply-told tale of an American farm boy who fought a stutter to be accepted into the Army. He won that battle and was sent to France. He had a rather unique experience as he was assigned scouting duties due to......more

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