Name: David Harbin
Rank: Corporal
Served in Country: Oct 1967 – Feb 1968
Awards: Silver Star, 2 Purple Hearts
During the Vietnam War David enlisted in the United States Marine Corps attaining the rank of Corporal and Squad Leader. He was deployed to Vietnam with the Second Battalion Fifth Marine Regiment. He was seriously wounded at the Battle of Hue City in 1968 while serving as a squad leader with Hotel Company… He required months of rehabilitation for a full recovery and carried a bullet from his wounds for the remainder of his life.
CPL Harbin received the Silver Star, the third-highest award for valor for his bravery during the Battle of Hue City. On February 4, 1968, with exceptional courage he ran across an open fire-swept area, delivering a heavy volume of fire to the enemy. He fearlessly moved through many rooms of the building where the enemy was entrenched to clear it of all resistance. In addition to a Silver Star and Two Purple Hearts, CPL Harbin was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation (two awards), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and Good Conduct Medal.
He was affectionately nicknamed “Barney” by his Marine buddies due to his propensity for carrying a rifle magazine in his top pocket. (Like the TV character Barney 5.) Dave has always been well-liked and everyone around him enjoyed his company.