SSG Larry Barnard

20 December 1989, Panama

Rangers

Staff Sergeant Larry Barnard of Hallstead, Pennsylvania, was killed on 20 December 1989 while supporting Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama.

Barnard joined the Army following high school. He completed Airborne School in 1981 and graduated from the Ranger Course in 1988, both at Fort Benning, Georgia. During his career, he also earned the Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and participated in Operation URGENT FURY, the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada.

SSG Barnard was mortally wounded while maneuvering his squad against an enemy position, following a nighttime airborne infiltration to seize Rio Hato Airfield, Panama. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at the time of his death.