Urban “Barney” Koster

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Bio

Urban “Barney” Koster was born on August 18, 1929, in Breda, Iowa. Drafted into the Army during the Korean War, he was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, for 18 months and served in the prestigious Army Honor Guard. His unit protected General Douglas MacArthur and his successors, maintaining constant security at the general’s residence. Barney recalled that the general’s home always required at least three guards by day and at least five by night. The men were also posted in former bomb shelters once used by Japanese forces during World War II. Due to the Honor Guard’s low turnover, advancement opportunities were rare. After his 18 months of service, Barney was honorably discharged as a corporal and returned to Iowa, where he still lived with his wife, Pat.