Mr. Barton was born on March 8, 1923 in Mantee, Mississippi. He was killed in action on December 6, 1944, over the skies of Italy.

After graduating from West Point High School, he entered the service on July 31, 1941, and susequently, received training at 14 different camps. On May 21, 1944, he received the coveted Gunner's Wings at Kingman Airfield in Arizona and was sent overseas in October to be a part of the 15th Air Force.

Only a few days before his death, his promotion to Staff Sergeant became effective. His body is buried in a World War II American Cemetery in Italy.

He was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Barton, and a grandmother, Mrs. W.D. Pepper in West Point, Mississippi. His parents were presented the Air Medal and the Purple Heart that were awarded posthumously to their son.