A Maxim Gun, an Abandoned French Tank, and One Determined American

[Sedalia Dave]

A Maxim Gun, an Abandoned French Tank, and One Determined American

 

John Barkley was an unlikely hero.

 

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John Barkley sent his brother a letter soon after his heroic defense of that forlorn moonscape. His words explain what a close thing that engagement actually was. Time, distance, and the limitations of the language conspire to mute the horror of that day.

 

“Don’t think I’m going to tell you anything about that tank deal. It is too bad to tell a civilized man. I played them dirty every chance I got, and this is not the first time I ever did this.”

 

 

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Barkley published an autobiographical work in 1930 titled “No Hard Feelings.” In more recent years the book has been edited and republished as “Scarlet Fields: The Combat Memoir of a World War 1 Medal of Honor Hero.”

 

[Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381]

Good thing he didn't go to his safe place. Interesting story, thanks.

[Tom Bullweed]

Excellent story.

Reminded me of Audie Murphy's stand on a burning tank, taking on a regiment of Germans some 24 years later.

[Dutch Wheeler]

And I thought this was going to be a "...Walks Into A Bar" joke.