D-Day
Utah Beach
Map of the Allied Invasions
On June 6, 1944, the Allied Forces landed on the Normandy Coast to invade the beaches and execute the devised plan for D-Day. There were five landing areas of the Normandy Invasion, and the westernmost was Utah Beach which was located at the base of the Cotentin Peninsula. During D-Day, the original plan of attack on Utah Beach was thrown away when currents surrounded and pulled ships in different directions and smoke fogged up the beaches. As a result, the ships landed 2,000 east of their intended location. Regardless, the soldiers advanced and the Utah Beach landings were a success! As fate would have it, the Tuscaloosa fought in D-Day at Utah Beach and Richard would fly several spotting missions.
Barclay's Role
Supermarine Spitfire VB
On D-Day, the Tuscaloosa was situated at Utah Beach and ready to attack, but it needed aerial support from the Naval Aviators. The general mission for all Naval Aviators on June 6, 1944 was to provide air spotting support for the battleships and cruisers that were bombing targets along the Normandy beaches. These spotting missions utilized two aircrafts and the first plane was the spotter while the wingman protected the flight against enemy aerial attack. A typical spotting sortie lasted about two hours: 45 minutes on station and one hour in transit. Richard had to fly two missions that brought him over the Normandy peninsula so he could direct gunfire for the Tuscaloosa.
Ultimate Sacrifice
Supermarine Spitfire
After Richard had returned from flying his two allotted missions, he continued to lead and supervise the other aviators. However, he was soon presented with a problem when one of the pilots refused to fly his mission. As senior aviator, Richard took the man's place and flew a third mission with the assistance of his wingman, Lt. Charles S. Zinn. While Richard was flying the Spitfire RAFH EP130, he was shot down, crashed, and died in a field near Colleville-sur-Mer. Richard died courageously and while performing a great service to his country.
Distinguished Flying Cross Award
Distinguished Flying Cross
Lt. Richard Barclay was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courageous actions during his service in the military, specifically during the Invasion of Normandy. While at the Normandy Invasion, Richard participated in aerial flight off France's coast and had tireless energy and great skill. Additionally, he gave precise spotting for
naval gunfire support missions. He bravely flew his plane through anti-aircraft fire and put the interests of his country above his own in order to report tactical targets. Richard was courageous and devoted to serving his country throughout his time in the U.S. Navy.
GOLD STAR LAPEL BUTTON and purple heart
As a result of Richard courageously flying another man's mission and tragically dying from it, the Gold Star Lapel Button, also referred to as the Gold Star pin, was awarded to him and distributed to his wife Patricia by the Department of Defense.
The Purple Heart is a United States military decorated that's is awarded to soldiers who have been wounded or killed during their service. When Richard died during D-Day, he was awarded this medal for his outstanding and honorary service in the U.S. Navy.
The Purple Heart is a United States military decorated that's is awarded to soldiers who have been wounded or killed during their service. When Richard died during D-Day, he was awarded this medal for his outstanding and honorary service in the U.S. Navy.
Remembrance
Bayeux Cemetery
Since Richard was flying a British plane and there was no trace of dog tags on him when he was found, he was originally buried in as an unknown in the St. Laurent Cemetery. Later, he was disinterred and moved to the British cemetery in Bayeux. Richard's identity was finally established, and he was moved to the Normandy American Cemetery that overlooks Omaha Beach. He remained there today.
Riverton War Memorial
As of 1946, Richard's name is also located on the war memorial in his hometown of Riverton. There is also a gravestone in his remembrance in the Westfield Meeting Cemetery in Cinnaminson, NJ, where Richard went to school as a child.
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