Comments:
Barry Wayne Hooper was born 12 November 1941. He graduated from Redondo Union High School in 1959. He didn’t do much according to the yearbooks. He was a likeable guy. Eleven days after graduation, Barry enlisted in the U S Navy. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1964. He learned Vietnamese, excelled as a gymnast, met a girl in San Diego, was an excellent dancer and wanted to be a Navy pilot. At the age of 26 years, Barry was placed in a position of authority by the United States Navy to command a convoy of men, equipment and vital cargo to be delivered to beleaguered free world forces in Vietnam. It was 5 March 1968 on the Hien Giang River when the convoy was caught in a potentially deadly ambush executed from both river banks. Barry’s actions were instrumental in saving every life under his command. Thirty brave minutes passed; all were safe; Barry who had been fully exposed in the conning area the entire time was then wounded. Barry died that same March day at Don Ha, South Vietnam Medical Battalion. It’s been said people come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Barry’s life although very short by most standards definitely had a reason and it is hoped, we shall remember him for a lifetime.

As of: Sep 23, 2009