Fred Barnett
Bio
Fred Barnett was studying to become a cabinet maker at a local community college when the Korean War broke out. Inspired by his three brothers who served in World War II, he felt it was his duty to enlist and joined the Air Force in the spring of 1950. Although he aspired to become a pilot, he was assigned the role of Air Force carpenter in the 5th Air Force Division. During his time in Korea in 1952, he didn’t see combat but recalls an incident involving friendly fire. Despite not being on the front lines, he takes pride in the U.S. military’s accomplishments during the war. Barnett remains grateful for his role in supporting the efforts abroad.
Video Clips
A Dangerous Moment of Friendly Fire
Fred Barnett recalls an incident of "friendly fire" while on patrol near railroad tracks in Korea. Hearing shots from a nearby rice paddy, he and his lieutenant went to investigate. To their surprise, they discovered American soldiers shooting at ducks. Although he didn’t see combat, this moment stands out in his memory.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9tBMoJiO20&start=814&end=952
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/fred-barnett#clip-1
Embed:
Life in the Camp
Fred Barnett recalls life at Suwon Air Base (K-13) as relatively comfortable. He describes the food, showers, and pay, noting that the food was actually better than what he had at home. He enjoyed his time at the camp and had positive interactions with the local civilian population. Reflecting on his ten years of military service, he considers his time in Germany the most rewarding.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9tBMoJiO20&start=953&end=1224
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/fred-barnett#clip-2
Embed:
Legacy of Korean War Veterans
Fred Barnett reflects on his experiences during the Korean War as mostly positive. He believes the U.S. achieved a great deal for the Korean people and feels we should continue supporting them. Although he hasn’t returned to Korea, he hopes to visit someday. Surprisingly, he admits that if conflict erupted today, he would willingly go back if he was not too old.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9tBMoJiO20&start=1519&end=1586
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/fred-barnett#clip-3
Embed: