MARINE BARRACKS WASHINGTON — A new Navy destroyer was just named for a Marine Medal of Honor recipient who assumed command of his rifle company during the Vietnam War and led them out of an intense firefight when their leader was killed in combat.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus led a ceremony here announced Thursday to name that the Arleigh-Burke class destroyer DDG 124 after retired Col. will be named after Medal of Honor recipient Harvey C. Barnum Jr. The surface combatants complete vital missions across the globe including guarding aircraft carriers and ballistic missile defense. They are armed with guns, missiles and torpedoes.
"Destroyers are kind of like the person we're honoring here today," Mabus said. "They're incredibly versatile, and they can do a lot of things at once."
Barnum, who retired in 1989 after serving and also served as deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs, received the Medal of Honor nation's highest valor award for heroism his actions during a Dec. 18, 1965, battle outside the village of Ky Phu, in Vietnam's Quang Tin province. The combat hero did not receive the award in the traditional White House ceremony, though, since the Vietnam War was so unpopular at the time. 
In 1965, then-1st Lt. Barnum was deployed with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines when the Vietnam War when his company was ambushed. Pinned down and outnumbered, the Marines lost their in an attack, resulting in the death of his company commander and radio operator. Then-Lt.
Barnum "quickly made a hazardous reconnaissance of the area, seeking targets for his artillery," while assuming command of the rifle company, according to his citation. He led a successful counterattack through heavy fire as he reorganized and encouraged all units.
According to his citation, "His sound and swift decisions and his obvious calm served to stabilize the badly decimated units and his gallant example as he stood exposed repeatedly to point out targets served as an inspiration to all," his award citation states.
Barnum told Marine Corps Times that his namesake ship will allow him to be personally connected to involved with the "newest greatest generation" of Marines and sailors.
"I hope to visit when it's being constructed and meet with the ship's crew as it forms," he said.
He said he wants to pass on "grandfatherly advice" and the values that influenced and assisted him throughout his career as a Marine.
"The three words that drive all Marines: honor, courage and commitment," Barnum said. "I want to let them know they are the linchpin to our success — that ship is just a floating piece of metal until they get aboard it."
The destroyer Harvey C. Barnum Jr. will be constructed at Bath Iron Works in Maine and is expected to enter the fleet in 2024, measuring at 509 feet long with operating speeds in excess of 30 knots. Mabus called the destroyer a "recognition of an American hero whose actions that day defined service and sacrifice."
Past Marine commandants and some of Mabus and retired Marine Corps Col. Barnum spoke to a crowd at the Marine Barracks ceremony that included past commandants and some of Barnum's battle buddies attended Thursday's ceremony. Mabus said Barnum's career exemplifies the resilience and dedication that's still alive in today's Navy and Marine Corps.
"[This ship] is in recognition of an American hero whose actions that day defined service and sacrifice," he said.
Barnum, who retired in 1989 and also served as deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs, received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War when his company was outnumbered in an attack, resulting in the death of his company commander and radio operator.
The fleet will be at 300 ships by 2019, with destroyers able to fight the country's battles on land, air and sea, he said.
"Destroyers are kind of like the person we're honoring here today," he said. "They're incredibly versatile, and they can do a lot of things at once."
Mabus said one of the highest privileges he has as secretary of the Navy is naming ships, which helps sailors not even born yet to understand how past sacrifices allow future generations to enjoy their freedom.
It marked the This is the sixth Navy ship that Mabus has named for honoring a Medal of Honor recipient. Mabus said told Marine Corps Times it's important for Americans to recognize military war heroes people like Barnum, especially those still living.
Barnum told Marine Corps Times that his namesake ship will allow him to be personally involved with the newest greatest generation.
"I hope to visit when it's being constructed and meet with the ship's crew as it forms," he said.
He said he wants to pass on "grandfatherly advice" and the values that influenced and assisted him throughout his career as a Marine.
"The three words that drive all Marines: honor, courage and commitment," Barnum said. "I want to let them know they are the linchpin to our success — that ship is just a floating piece of metal until they get aboard it."
The destroyer Harvey C. Barnum Jr. will be constructed at Bath Iron Works in Maine and is expected to enter the fleet in 2024, measuring at 509 feet long with operating speeds in excess of 30 knots.
"It's important when we can honor people who are still with us and thank them for what they did, and thank them in a tangible way," he said. 
Charlsy Panzino covers veterans education, employment and transition issues, as well as travel, entertainment and fitness. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
