MURREN ARREL BARBEE was born on Thursday, 06 June 1904, in Shingler, Worth county, Georgia to William Maxie and Minnie Della (Nipper) Barbee both of whom were native to Georgia. The couple were married in Worth county Georgia on 05 Sep 1893. Murren was the eighth of 12 children born to his parents. His siblings were Luther Barney (1894-1896), Eva Tempty (1895-1919), Forester Jay (1898-1956), Ollie Jay (1899-1976), Carrolle (1900-1939), Eunice (1902-1940), Mary Ethel, 1903-1992), Coree Tempty (1904-1995), James David (1908-1973), Viola Louise (1910-1989) and Irene Barbee (1913-1938).
Like many of his contemporaries, Murren, who only finished the 9th grade in school, was lured to the opportunities available in the US military services rather than becoming a farmer. A steady income to help the family with expenses, adventure and the chance to learn a trade and just plain patriotism pulled strongly on many youth of the day including Murren. He submitted a US Navy application for enlistment at the Navy Recruiting Station (NRS) at Fitzgerald, Ben Hill, Georgia where he completed preliminary entrance examinations, obtained personal references, completed administrative paperwork and passed background checks. He also obtained his father's consent to enlist as he was not yet 21 years of age.
Murren enlisted in the US Navy (NSN:267-64-54) on 11 Aug 1923 at NRS, Atlanta, Georgia for four years. His beginning rate was Fireman Third Class (F3c) and beginning pay was $36.00 per month. Later that day, Barbee boarded a train for the nearly 600 mile trip to the Naval Training Station (NTS) at Hampton Roads, VA for eight weeks of recruit training. He arrived the next day.
Upon completion of recruit training, F3c Barbee was granted a short leave period to visit family and friends before proceeding to his first duty station; the collier, USS Orion (AC-11) reporting for duty on 16 Oct 1923. The following spring, Barbee advanced in rate to Fireman Second Class (F2c) on 5 Apr 1924. Four months later on 30 Aug 1924, he was admitted to the Naval Hospital, Norfolk, VA for treatment. His condition must have been serious because he remained hospitalized until 14 Oct 1924. He returned to Orion and duty on the 15th. On 25 May 1925, F2c Barbee advanced in rate to Machinist's Mate Second Class (MM2c) - a promotion of three grades. The following year MM2c Barbee married 22 year old Lucy May Copeland on 08 Dec 1926 in Portsmouth City, VA. She was native to Belvidere, Perquimans, NC.
As the year of 1927 began, Barbee transferred from Orion to the fleet oiler, USS Salinas (AO-19) for a ride to the destroyer, USS Barker (DD-213) in an exchange of duty with another sailor on 30 Jan 1927. This tour of duty was not long as Barbee transferred on 16 Apr 1927 to the destroyer tender, USS Dobbin (AD-3) in another exchange of duty. On 28 Sep 1927, MM2c Barbee was released from active duty and honorably discharged at the end of his enlistment on board Dobbin in Charleston, SC. The following day MM2 Barbee was enrolled in the US Fleet Naval Reserve, class F-2.
Apparently, civilian life wasn't the right choice for Barbee because in mid-Dec 1927, he requested permission to enlist again at NRS, Jacksonville, Florida. After completing the necessary paperwork and passing a physical exam he was accepted for enlistment. Interestingly, when asked whether he was married or not he stated he was single. He named his mother as next of kin. Barbee was sent to the NRS Atlanta, GA where he reenlisted on 17 December for four years at the rate of MM2c. His pay was $79.20 per month. Later that day he transferred to the Receiving Station, Hampton Roads, VA for general detail assignment. He arrived the next day. Shortly after the new year of 1928 began, Barbee transferred to the light cruiser, USS Trenton (CL-11) on 05 Jan 1928 for duty. On 25 Jan 1930, Barbee advanced in rate to Machinist's Mate First Class (MM1c).
For approximately the next eight years, Barbee was assigned to the following ships for duty;
USS Trenton (CL-11) 5 Jan 28 – 01 Aug 32; hospital ship USS Relief (AH-1) 01 Aug 32 – 12 Aug 32 for medical treatment; USS Trenton 12 Aug 32 – 27 April 33; fleet tug USS Pinola (AT-33) 27 Apr 33 – 03 Apr 34; fleet oiler USS Cuyama (AO-3) 03 Apr 34 – 10 Mar 36; destroyer USS Smith (DD-378) detail 16 Mar 36 – 19 Sep 36; USS Smith commissioning 19 Sep 36 – 22 Oct 37; destroyer USS Monaghan (DD-354) 23 Oct 37 – 14 Mar 38; and destroyer tender USS Whitney (AD-4) 14 Mar 38 – 27 Jan 39.
During this period of about 8 years, Barbee earned 3 Good Conduct Medals (1931, 1936, and 1939) and a Navy "E" on board Trenton and an Engineering Red "E" while on board Cuyama. He applied for shore duty several times but each time he later withdrew the request. On 09 Dec 32, he and Lucy May Barbee divorced in Portsmouth, VA. They had no children. On 13 Dec 1935, he married 23 year old Pauline Frances George. She was the daughter of Arthur Guy and Olivia Marian (Theime) George who were long time residents of San Diego. On 16 Aug 37, Barbee was appoint Chief Machinist's Mate (Acting Appointment). One year later, 16 Aug 1938, Chief Barbee's appointment was made permanent (PA).
On 26 Nov 1938, Barbee reenlisted on board the Whitney (AD-4) in San Diego for another four year tour of duty. In early Jan 1939, Whitney steamed out of San Diego and transited the Panama Canal to participate in Fleet Problem XX. While Whitney was in the Caribbean, Chief Barbee received permanent change of station orders to proceed on 27 Jan 1939 to the destroyer USS Warrington (DD-383) at Gonaives, Haiti for transportation to the transport ship, USS Chaumont (AP-5) at Norfolk, VA. On board Chaumont he was to proceed to Asiatic Station for assignment. Upon his departure from Whitney he received a Meritorious Mast for his excellent performance of duty.
Chief Barbee reported on board Chaumont in Norfolk on 15 Feb 1939. She was scheduled to depart Norfolk on 23 Feb. However, he became ill and was admitted to the Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA., the following day. The cause of his illness is unknown but it wasn't due to misconduct. On 17 Feb, Mrs Barbee received authorization to travel with her husband on board Chaumont. She was to board in San Diego on 23 Mar 1939. Mrs Barbee informed the Navy Dept on 14 Mar that she declined the Chaumont transportation as her husband was still hospitalized.
Chief Barbee was discharged from the hospital on 26 April. He received new transportation orders that day to proceed to San Diego and board the transport ship, USS Henderson (AP-1) no later than 08 May. He was to report for duty to the USS Bulmer (DD-222) via USS Stewart (DD-224). Henderson sailed out of San Diego with Chief Barbee on board on 08 May 1939. On 15 May, Mrs Barbee received from the Navy Dept., a First Class ticket for passage to Manila from Los Angeles on board the S.S. President Garfield departing on 06 Jun. The cost of the ticket was $410.00. Mrs Pauline Barbee appears on the ship's manifest along with a large number of other military families, all traveling in first class bound for Manila. Mrs Barbee arrived in Manila to set up housekeeping about 5 July.
Henderson continued up the West Coast making a brief stop at San Pedro (9 May), then into San Francisco Bay where she moored at Mare Island shipyard for maintenance until 28 May. She got underway on 29 May steaming under the Golden Gate steering westward. Her first stop was in Honolulu on 5 Jun then underway on 07 Jun steaming for Manila arriving 26 Jun, then on to Shanghai (2-3 July). From the Yangtze, she steamed to Chinwangtao (5-6 July), then to Chefoo (7-8 July). Chief Barbee disembarked in Chefoo on 07 July 39 and reported for temporary duty on board the destroyer, USS Stewart (DD-224). Stewart was on station between the Chinese ports of Tsingtao and Shanghai from 03 Jun to 4 Sept 1939. She returned to Manila on 04 Sep. On 1 April 1939, Bulmer steamed from Manila to China. The situation was relatively calm compared to previous years in the Asiatic Fleet. While she was at Amoy, China, she witnessed the continuing aggression between China and Japan as Japanese aircraft dropped bombs and propaganda pamphlets on Chinese positions. Bulmer remained in the vicinity of Southern China before returning to Manila on 8 Sept 1939. Barbee transferred from Stewart to Bulmer on 09 Sept in Manila.
Prelude to WAR!
Bulmer operated in the waters adjacent to the Philippines for the next few months staying closer to home longer than usual. Chief Barbee received distressing news from home in Feb 1940. On 12 Feb 1940, one of Barbee's married sisters, Eunice Vaughn was shot in the head and killed while she worked in her small lunchroom in Tifton, GA. The assailant killed himself later.
On 30 Jun 1940, Bulmer steamed from Manila for Tsingtao and another tour with the South China Patrol that would last until 11 Oct 1940 when she returned to the Philippines. Some of the military wives like Pauline Barbee would join together to meet their husbands at various ports-of-call in China. It is presumed that Pauline did take advantage of some travel opportunities to China, but those opportunities did not last long. During this year, Bulmer earned an Engineering Red "E" thanks in large part, according to a commendation from his CO, Chief Barbee's professional expertise and leadership.
As Japanese aggression continued to rise in East Asia in 1940, many foreign governments began withdrawing all of their ground based forces and the majority of the naval forces, as well as, evacuating military and civilian expatriates from China. Adm. Thomas C. Hart, the Commander in Chief, U.S. Asiatic Fleet, ordered the withdrawal of all major Navy blue-water ships from China on 21 October 1940, leaving only the gunboats on the Yangtze. He also issued orders to evacuate all the families of US military personnel from China and the Philippines.
At first, there was push-back from the resentful spouses who initially declined to leave their husbands. It was only a threat to indefinitely restrict their spouses to their ships without leave that finally convinced the families; it was time to comply with orders and return to the continental United States (CONUS).
Pauline Barbee closed up her home and said goodbye to her husband when she boarded the Presidents Line ship, S.S. President Cleveland in Manila on 03 Dec 1940. The First Class ticket was paid for by the Navy Department at a cost of $420.00.
S.S. President Cleveland steamed to the Port of Los Angeles, CA arriving one month later on 03 Jan 1941. Pauline took up residence in her hometown of San Diego, CA where her mother, Olivia George, lived (she died in 1945). By the end of December 1940, the evacuation of nearly all US military families from Chinese and Philippine territory was complete. Admiral Hart's directive probably saved many family members from internment by the Japanese or worse. For many of the married sailors whose families were sent home, it was the last time they would ever see them.
As the Asiatic Fleet reduced its presence in China, Bulmer's operations indefinitely shifted to the Philippine Archipelago. During 1941, the bulk of her activities included training and patrols around the Philippine Islands. On 08 Mar 1941, Chief Barbee became ill. He was admitted to the Naval Hospital at Canacao for treatment that lasted almost a month. He was reassigned to Bulmer on 4 Apr 1941. About Jun 1941, Bulmer was awarded the Navy Engineering "E" for excellence in engineering among competitions within the squadron.
In July 1941, as Japanese aggression intensified with their move south into lower Indo-China, Admiral Hart warned his officers that he had no doubt that war would come although he didn't know how or when it would start. Hart trained his destroyer crews hard keeping them on a war-footing for extended periods and away from Cavite naval base as much as possible exercising his "defensive deployment." On 28 August 1941, Adm. Hart wrote to Adm. Harold R. Stark, the Chief of Naval Operations, containing his recommendation for the withdrawal of American forces.
On 24 August, Bulmer entered the navy yard at Cavite. After maintenance and repairs were completed at Cavite on 7-13 October 1941, Bulmer returned to patrol operations in Philippine waters. On 19 Nov 1941, Chief Barbee transferred to the US Naval Hospital, Canacao, for treatment of an unknown medical issue.
On Tuesday, 25 November 1941, two days in advance of the "war warning" from the Navy Department which predicted that hostile Japanese action in the Pacific was imminent, Admiral Thomas Hart, Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet directed his ships including destroyer tender USS Black Hawk (AD-9), and other ships of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Nine (DesRon) 29, to get underway and exercise his "Defensive Deployment" well south of Manila. The ships arrived on the morning of 29 Nov 1941 in Balikpapan, a major oil port on the eastern coast of Borneo.
HOSTILITIES BEGIN!
Some ships remained at Cavite for operational purposes. USS Peary (DD-226) was one of five destroyers to remain in Cavite with the USS Pillsbury (DD-227), USS Pope (DD-225), USS Bulmer (DD-222), and USS John D. Ford (DD-228). On 7 December 1941 [8 December east of the International date Line], the Japanese onslaught began across a wide area, from the Far East to Pearl Harbor. When word was received that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. Adm Hart direct his forces to "Govern Yourself Accordingly." Bulmer lay at anchor in Manila Bay along with several other ships of the Asiatic Fleet. The next day (9 Dec) she was underway at general quarters patrolling south of Corregidor. Chief Barbee was released from the hospital at Canacao and transferred to the destroyer USS Peary (DD-226) for duty on the same day. Chief Barbee had barely enough time to stow his gear when the next day (10 Dec) all hell broke loose at Manila Bay.
Wednesday morning, 10 Dec 1941 in Manila broke with clear skies. Just passed high noon and without warning, scores of Japanese fighters and bombers appeared overhead and commenced to wreak havoc on the naval facilities and ships still inport. When the attack was over, most of the naval base was reduced to rubble. Peary had been struck by a bomb which caused extensive damage. A number of her crew were killed, wounded and missing further reducing her manning complement further below acceptable levels. Chief Barbee was not present on board Peary during the attack. In all probability he was working at one of the maintenance shops ashore.
After the 10 Dec attack, Peary's remaining crew set to work repairing their ship. It was a Herculean effort performed by the crew in conjunction with the facilities of Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company to effect the minimum repairs in order to make Peary sea-worthy. Because a large number of Peary's crew were lost, a call for replacements was made by Peary's CO to COMAF and Commandant, Sixteenth Naval District (COM16ND) in Manila. Many sailors from other commands would be transferred to Peary over the next several weeks to help fill her manning shortages. On 23 Dec 1941, Peary got underway on her first war mission; an antisubmarine patrol assignment in the Verde Island Passage between Luzon and the Philippine island of Mindoro. She returned to port late on 24 Dec. On Christmas Day, she made passenger pick-up and delivery runs to Corregidor and Manila.
The day after Christmas 1941, the CO's of Pillsbury and Peary were ashore at a conference with COM16ND, Admiral Rockwell, to discuss releasing their ships to join other US forces in the Netherlands East Indies when enemy bombers suddenly appeared overhead. Peary was attacked by five flights of Japanese high level bombers. Each flight consisted of between 6 to 9 planes. Peary's new CO, Lt Bermingham, watched from ashore as his new executive officer, Lt Martin M. Koivisto, skillfully maneuvered Peary around Manila Bay dodging bomb after bomb for several hours. Though she suffered a few near misses, Peary emerged virtually unscathed. Later that evening, Peary and Pillsbury were ordered to put to sea and proceed south by the best route and join Task Force 5 at Soerabaja, Java. For safety, each ship was to proceed independently.
Peary's voyage south was eventful and dangerous as the Japanese held mastery of the air and sea. Intelligence information provided to Peary just after her departure from Manila indicated that Japanese warships probably lurked along his intended route to Surabaja. Peary's CO changed her track and destination to Darwin, Australia. Peary traveled only by night and during the day she was brought close to shore and tied up to trees and covered with palm fronds and green paint in order to blend with the flora of the various islands. Several times, Japanese bombers flew overhead but did not detect the ship.
About 0800, 28 Dec, Peary sighted a large Japanese four-engine seaplane shadowing her. It was a Kawanishi HK6 "Mavis" flying boat. About 1400, three more Mavis' joined and the attacks began with each plane making two runs dropping a single bomb estimated at 500 pounds. During the attacks, gun crews on Peary kept up continuous fire at the enemy planes. She maneuvered successfully avoiding the bombs while her gun crews threw up a curtain of anti-aircraft fire.
Finally, after the flying boats completed their attacks, two twin engine, single wing torpedo planes appeared and commenced an attack on Peary dropping two torpedoes off the port bow and two off the port quarter. Again, the skipper maneuvered the ship out of danger. However, after dropping their ordnance, the enemy torpedo planes returned to fired several strafing bursts which struck the stacks. They were driven off by heavy shipboard machine gun fire.
Each Australian Hudson made two attacks dropping a single 250 pound shrapnel bomb. There were no direct hits but near misses caused extensive damage. Peary was hit in various places topside and in the engineering spaces. The shrapnel hit in the engineering spaces and knocked one of Peary's two main engines out of commission. One crewman was killed when he was struck by shrapnel (S1c Kenneth E. Quinaux, a machine gunner, was buried at sea during services at 2000 on 29 Dec 1941.). Prior to departing, each Hudson made a strafing run on the ship.
Peary anchored at Port Darwin at 0840, 03 Jan 1942 after a 2100 mile plus transit from Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia. Within a week of arriving at Darwin, twenty-eight enlisted men and officers became ill with a virulent form of Malaria or Dengue Fever, contracted when the ship anchored off remote Maitara Island near Ternate in the Halmakeras. It was necessary to stop there to make repairs after being attacked by Australian aircraft. Eventually eight men would die.
Peary received tender availability services from USS Black Hawk (AD-9) to affect temporary repairs and make Peary seaworthy. Those repairs were completed on 22 Jan 1942. Peary assumed submarine escort duties on numerous occasions. She was an anti-submarine escort for USS Langley (AV-3) from Darwin to Fremantle, Australia between 08-13 Feb 1942 and she steamed with the heavy cruiser, USS Houston (CA-30), escorting a Darwin- Koepang convoy from 14 to 18 Feb 1942. During the convoy, she also searched for an elusive Japanese submarine contact which reduced her fuel supply such that she had to return to Port Darwin to refuel. Her luck was about to run out.
Peary returned to Port Darwin and anchored about 0100, 19 Feb 1942. About 1045 that morning, Port Darwin was subject to a massive air attack by a combined Japanese carrier and land base force of over 200 fighters and bombers. Peary, still at anchor, was hit by five bombs. The fifth bomb, an incendiary, exploded in the after engine room opening the ship to the sea. She sank, stern first with her anti-aircraft guns still firing as the last enemy planes left the area.
Eighty-eight officers and men including the commanding officer were killed in her sinking; 57 survived, 20 of whom were wounded. Chief Barbee is believed to have gone down with his ship. He was listed as missing in action on 19 Feb 1942. His remains were unrecoverable. He was presumed dead on 20 Feb 1943.
Chief Barbee was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal with two pins, China Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp (bronze star in lieu of clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and two bronze stars (one bronze star in lieu of clasp), Philippine Defense Medal with a bronze service star, US Army Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, the WWII Victory Medal and likely eligible for the Combat Action Ribbon (retroactive).
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Chief Barbee's family received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of Murren Arrel BARBEE who died in the service of his country at SEA, Asiatic Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. PEARY, 20 February 1943 (presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives – in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
~
On 10 Apr 1942, Mrs Pauline Barbee, the wife of Chief Murren A. Barbee, received a telegram from the Navy Department. It read in part; "The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your husband, Chief Machinist Mate, Murren A. Barbee, US Navy, is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country."
The following year Mrs Pauline Barbee received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated 17 March 1943. It read; "After a full review of all available information, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your husband, Murren A. Barbee, Chief Machinist's Mate, U.S.N., is deceased, having been reported "missing in action' on the 19th day of February 1942, being a member of the crew and serving aboard the U.S.S. Peary when that vessel was sunk in the port of Darwin, Australia. In accordance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, your husband's death is presumed to have occurred on the 20th of February 1943, which is the day following the day of expiration of an absence of twelve months. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your son gave his life for his Country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. The Navy shares in your sense of bereavement and will feel the loss of his service."
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Mrs Pauline Frances Barbee married Albert Graham Soule after 1945. He also served in the US Navy during WWII. Pauline died on 12 Feb 1995 in Del Mar, San Diego, CA. Albert died 05 Nov 1996 also in Del Mar, CA.
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Citation of Units of Both Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Philippine Governments.
--489--
As authorized by Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. II, Bull. 11, W.D., 1942), a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, is awarded to all units of both military and naval forces of the United States and Philippine Governments engaged in the defense of the Philippines since December 7, 1941. (Later, it was called the Army Presidential Unit Citation).
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
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Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
Establishing Authority
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was established by Headquarters, Philippine National Defense Forces, General Order Number 532 of September 14, 1946, as amended.
Acceptance by the United States
For service during World War II, acceptance is sanctioned by Public Law 80-314, which authorized the acceptance and wear of foreign decoration, medals, and awards in connection with services in World War II between the inclusive dates of December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1948.
Effective Dates
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since September 14, 1946.
Criteria
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for extraordinarily meritorious service. The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to United States military personnel who participated in the following:
• World War II
Service in the defense of the Philippines from December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942.
Service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945.
All U.S. military units and naval vessels that earned any of the Philippine engagement stars are entitled to the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.
Certain submarines which maintained physical contact with guerrilla forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands.
Online: https://rollofhonor.org/public/htmldetails.aspx?Cat=foreignaward&EntID=352
Primary Sources:
1) Cox, Jeffery R., Rising Sun, Falling Skies, Osprey Publishing, UK, 2015.
2) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., In the Highest Degree Tragic, The Sacrifice of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in the East Indies During World War II, Potomac Books, 2017.
3) Various Newspaper articles.
4) Deck logs USS Peary retrieved 15 November 2021.
5) Northern Territory Library Roll of Honour: Browse location.
www.ntlexhibit.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
6) Wikipedia page, USS Peary (DD-226), Retrieved 12 November 2021.
7) Wilde, E. Andrew Jr. (Ed). U.S.S. Peary (DD-226) in World War II, Manila to Darwin, 12/10/41-2/19/42: Needham, Mass. The Editor, 2007. http://destroyerhistory.org/assets/pdf/wilde/226peary_wilde.pdf
8) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., A Blue Sea of Blood: deciphering the mysterious fate of the USS Edsall, Zenith Press, 2008.
9) Fold3 by Ancestry Navy Muster reports and Change reports.
10) Ancestry.com Navy WWII muster and Change reports.
11) Excerpts of Bulmer history from Naval History and Heritage Command. John W. Watts, Jr., 2016. Clipped 09 May 2023.
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/b/bulmer-dd-222.html
12) Barbee, Murren A. US Navy Service Record 1923-1945. National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR), St Louis, MO. 2023
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Link to USS Peary
memorial in Darwin, Australia with list of names of those lost in the sinking of the ship.
https://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=1503&MemID=1991
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Bio#366 compiled on 09 Mar 2022, and revised on 10 May 2023 by Gerry Lawton
Military Hall of Honor #124236
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He enlisted on 26 November 1938 in San Diego, California, and served on the USS Warrington, and Whitney before transferring to the Peary on 31 December 1941; he was the Chief Machinists' Mate (PA) (267-64-54). Barbee was survived by his wife Pauline, of 3331 Pickwick Street, San Diego.
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Entered the service from California.
MURREN ARREL BARBEE was born on Thursday, 06 June 1904, in Shingler, Worth county, Georgia to William Maxie and Minnie Della (Nipper) Barbee both of whom were native to Georgia. The couple were married in Worth county Georgia on 05 Sep 1893. Murren was the eighth of 12 children born to his parents. His siblings were Luther Barney (1894-1896), Eva Tempty (1895-1919), Forester Jay (1898-1956), Ollie Jay (1899-1976), Carrolle (1900-1939), Eunice (1902-1940), Mary Ethel, 1903-1992), Coree Tempty (1904-1995), James David (1908-1973), Viola Louise (1910-1989) and Irene Barbee (1913-1938).
Like many of his contemporaries, Murren, who only finished the 9th grade in school, was lured to the opportunities available in the US military services rather than becoming a farmer. A steady income to help the family with expenses, adventure and the chance to learn a trade and just plain patriotism pulled strongly on many youth of the day including Murren. He submitted a US Navy application for enlistment at the Navy Recruiting Station (NRS) at Fitzgerald, Ben Hill, Georgia where he completed preliminary entrance examinations, obtained personal references, completed administrative paperwork and passed background checks. He also obtained his father's consent to enlist as he was not yet 21 years of age.
Murren enlisted in the US Navy (NSN:267-64-54) on 11 Aug 1923 at NRS, Atlanta, Georgia for four years. His beginning rate was Fireman Third Class (F3c) and beginning pay was $36.00 per month. Later that day, Barbee boarded a train for the nearly 600 mile trip to the Naval Training Station (NTS) at Hampton Roads, VA for eight weeks of recruit training. He arrived the next day.
Upon completion of recruit training, F3c Barbee was granted a short leave period to visit family and friends before proceeding to his first duty station; the collier, USS Orion (AC-11) reporting for duty on 16 Oct 1923. The following spring, Barbee advanced in rate to Fireman Second Class (F2c) on 5 Apr 1924. Four months later on 30 Aug 1924, he was admitted to the Naval Hospital, Norfolk, VA for treatment. His condition must have been serious because he remained hospitalized until 14 Oct 1924. He returned to Orion and duty on the 15th. On 25 May 1925, F2c Barbee advanced in rate to Machinist's Mate Second Class (MM2c) - a promotion of three grades. The following year MM2c Barbee married 22 year old Lucy May Copeland on 08 Dec 1926 in Portsmouth City, VA. She was native to Belvidere, Perquimans, NC.
As the year of 1927 began, Barbee transferred from Orion to the fleet oiler, USS Salinas (AO-19) for a ride to the destroyer, USS Barker (DD-213) in an exchange of duty with another sailor on 30 Jan 1927. This tour of duty was not long as Barbee transferred on 16 Apr 1927 to the destroyer tender, USS Dobbin (AD-3) in another exchange of duty. On 28 Sep 1927, MM2c Barbee was released from active duty and honorably discharged at the end of his enlistment on board Dobbin in Charleston, SC. The following day MM2 Barbee was enrolled in the US Fleet Naval Reserve, class F-2.
Apparently, civilian life wasn't the right choice for Barbee because in mid-Dec 1927, he requested permission to enlist again at NRS, Jacksonville, Florida. After completing the necessary paperwork and passing a physical exam he was accepted for enlistment. Interestingly, when asked whether he was married or not he stated he was single. He named his mother as next of kin. Barbee was sent to the NRS Atlanta, GA where he reenlisted on 17 December for four years at the rate of MM2c. His pay was $79.20 per month. Later that day he transferred to the Receiving Station, Hampton Roads, VA for general detail assignment. He arrived the next day. Shortly after the new year of 1928 began, Barbee transferred to the light cruiser, USS Trenton (CL-11) on 05 Jan 1928 for duty. On 25 Jan 1930, Barbee advanced in rate to Machinist's Mate First Class (MM1c).
For approximately the next eight years, Barbee was assigned to the following ships for duty;
USS Trenton (CL-11) 5 Jan 28 – 01 Aug 32; hospital ship USS Relief (AH-1) 01 Aug 32 – 12 Aug 32 for medical treatment; USS Trenton 12 Aug 32 – 27 April 33; fleet tug USS Pinola (AT-33) 27 Apr 33 – 03 Apr 34; fleet oiler USS Cuyama (AO-3) 03 Apr 34 – 10 Mar 36; destroyer USS Smith (DD-378) detail 16 Mar 36 – 19 Sep 36; USS Smith commissioning 19 Sep 36 – 22 Oct 37; destroyer USS Monaghan (DD-354) 23 Oct 37 – 14 Mar 38; and destroyer tender USS Whitney (AD-4) 14 Mar 38 – 27 Jan 39.
During this period of about 8 years, Barbee earned 3 Good Conduct Medals (1931, 1936, and 1939) and a Navy "E" on board Trenton and an Engineering Red "E" while on board Cuyama. He applied for shore duty several times but each time he later withdrew the request. On 09 Dec 32, he and Lucy May Barbee divorced in Portsmouth, VA. They had no children. On 13 Dec 1935, he married 23 year old Pauline Frances George. She was the daughter of Arthur Guy and Olivia Marian (Theime) George who were long time residents of San Diego. On 16 Aug 37, Barbee was appoint Chief Machinist's Mate (Acting Appointment). One year later, 16 Aug 1938, Chief Barbee's appointment was made permanent (PA).
On 26 Nov 1938, Barbee reenlisted on board the Whitney (AD-4) in San Diego for another four year tour of duty. In early Jan 1939, Whitney steamed out of San Diego and transited the Panama Canal to participate in Fleet Problem XX. While Whitney was in the Caribbean, Chief Barbee received permanent change of station orders to proceed on 27 Jan 1939 to the destroyer USS Warrington (DD-383) at Gonaives, Haiti for transportation to the transport ship, USS Chaumont (AP-5) at Norfolk, VA. On board Chaumont he was to proceed to Asiatic Station for assignment. Upon his departure from Whitney he received a Meritorious Mast for his excellent performance of duty.
Chief Barbee reported on board Chaumont in Norfolk on 15 Feb 1939. She was scheduled to depart Norfolk on 23 Feb. However, he became ill and was admitted to the Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA., the following day. The cause of his illness is unknown but it wasn't due to misconduct. On 17 Feb, Mrs Barbee received authorization to travel with her husband on board Chaumont. She was to board in San Diego on 23 Mar 1939. Mrs Barbee informed the Navy Dept on 14 Mar that she declined the Chaumont transportation as her husband was still hospitalized.
Chief Barbee was discharged from the hospital on 26 April. He received new transportation orders that day to proceed to San Diego and board the transport ship, USS Henderson (AP-1) no later than 08 May. He was to report for duty to the USS Bulmer (DD-222) via USS Stewart (DD-224). Henderson sailed out of San Diego with Chief Barbee on board on 08 May 1939. On 15 May, Mrs Barbee received from the Navy Dept., a First Class ticket for passage to Manila from Los Angeles on board the S.S. President Garfield departing on 06 Jun. The cost of the ticket was $410.00. Mrs Pauline Barbee appears on the ship's manifest along with a large number of other military families, all traveling in first class bound for Manila. Mrs Barbee arrived in Manila to set up housekeeping about 5 July.
Henderson continued up the West Coast making a brief stop at San Pedro (9 May), then into San Francisco Bay where she moored at Mare Island shipyard for maintenance until 28 May. She got underway on 29 May steaming under the Golden Gate steering westward. Her first stop was in Honolulu on 5 Jun then underway on 07 Jun steaming for Manila arriving 26 Jun, then on to Shanghai (2-3 July). From the Yangtze, she steamed to Chinwangtao (5-6 July), then to Chefoo (7-8 July). Chief Barbee disembarked in Chefoo on 07 July 39 and reported for temporary duty on board the destroyer, USS Stewart (DD-224). Stewart was on station between the Chinese ports of Tsingtao and Shanghai from 03 Jun to 4 Sept 1939. She returned to Manila on 04 Sep. On 1 April 1939, Bulmer steamed from Manila to China. The situation was relatively calm compared to previous years in the Asiatic Fleet. While she was at Amoy, China, she witnessed the continuing aggression between China and Japan as Japanese aircraft dropped bombs and propaganda pamphlets on Chinese positions. Bulmer remained in the vicinity of Southern China before returning to Manila on 8 Sept 1939. Barbee transferred from Stewart to Bulmer on 09 Sept in Manila.
Prelude to WAR!
Bulmer operated in the waters adjacent to the Philippines for the next few months staying closer to home longer than usual. Chief Barbee received distressing news from home in Feb 1940. On 12 Feb 1940, one of Barbee's married sisters, Eunice Vaughn was shot in the head and killed while she worked in her small lunchroom in Tifton, GA. The assailant killed himself later.
On 30 Jun 1940, Bulmer steamed from Manila for Tsingtao and another tour with the South China Patrol that would last until 11 Oct 1940 when she returned to the Philippines. Some of the military wives like Pauline Barbee would join together to meet their husbands at various ports-of-call in China. It is presumed that Pauline did take advantage of some travel opportunities to China, but those opportunities did not last long. During this year, Bulmer earned an Engineering Red "E" thanks in large part, according to a commendation from his CO, Chief Barbee's professional expertise and leadership.
As Japanese aggression continued to rise in East Asia in 1940, many foreign governments began withdrawing all of their ground based forces and the majority of the naval forces, as well as, evacuating military and civilian expatriates from China. Adm. Thomas C. Hart, the Commander in Chief, U.S. Asiatic Fleet, ordered the withdrawal of all major Navy blue-water ships from China on 21 October 1940, leaving only the gunboats on the Yangtze. He also issued orders to evacuate all the families of US military personnel from China and the Philippines.
At first, there was push-back from the resentful spouses who initially declined to leave their husbands. It was only a threat to indefinitely restrict their spouses to their ships without leave that finally convinced the families; it was time to comply with orders and return to the continental United States (CONUS).
Pauline Barbee closed up her home and said goodbye to her husband when she boarded the Presidents Line ship, S.S. President Cleveland in Manila on 03 Dec 1940. The First Class ticket was paid for by the Navy Department at a cost of $420.00.
S.S. President Cleveland steamed to the Port of Los Angeles, CA arriving one month later on 03 Jan 1941. Pauline took up residence in her hometown of San Diego, CA where her mother, Olivia George, lived (she died in 1945). By the end of December 1940, the evacuation of nearly all US military families from Chinese and Philippine territory was complete. Admiral Hart's directive probably saved many family members from internment by the Japanese or worse. For many of the married sailors whose families were sent home, it was the last time they would ever see them.
As the Asiatic Fleet reduced its presence in China, Bulmer's operations indefinitely shifted to the Philippine Archipelago. During 1941, the bulk of her activities included training and patrols around the Philippine Islands. On 08 Mar 1941, Chief Barbee became ill. He was admitted to the Naval Hospital at Canacao for treatment that lasted almost a month. He was reassigned to Bulmer on 4 Apr 1941. About Jun 1941, Bulmer was awarded the Navy Engineering "E" for excellence in engineering among competitions within the squadron.
In July 1941, as Japanese aggression intensified with their move south into lower Indo-China, Admiral Hart warned his officers that he had no doubt that war would come although he didn't know how or when it would start. Hart trained his destroyer crews hard keeping them on a war-footing for extended periods and away from Cavite naval base as much as possible exercising his "defensive deployment." On 28 August 1941, Adm. Hart wrote to Adm. Harold R. Stark, the Chief of Naval Operations, containing his recommendation for the withdrawal of American forces.
On 24 August, Bulmer entered the navy yard at Cavite. After maintenance and repairs were completed at Cavite on 7-13 October 1941, Bulmer returned to patrol operations in Philippine waters. On 19 Nov 1941, Chief Barbee transferred to the US Naval Hospital, Canacao, for treatment of an unknown medical issue.
On Tuesday, 25 November 1941, two days in advance of the "war warning" from the Navy Department which predicted that hostile Japanese action in the Pacific was imminent, Admiral Thomas Hart, Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet directed his ships including destroyer tender USS Black Hawk (AD-9), and other ships of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Nine (DesRon) 29, to get underway and exercise his "Defensive Deployment" well south of Manila. The ships arrived on the morning of 29 Nov 1941 in Balikpapan, a major oil port on the eastern coast of Borneo.
HOSTILITIES BEGIN!
Some ships remained at Cavite for operational purposes. USS Peary (DD-226) was one of five destroyers to remain in Cavite with the USS Pillsbury (DD-227), USS Pope (DD-225), USS Bulmer (DD-222), and USS John D. Ford (DD-228). On 7 December 1941 [8 December east of the International date Line], the Japanese onslaught began across a wide area, from the Far East to Pearl Harbor. When word was received that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. Adm Hart direct his forces to "Govern Yourself Accordingly." Bulmer lay at anchor in Manila Bay along with several other ships of the Asiatic Fleet. The next day (9 Dec) she was underway at general quarters patrolling south of Corregidor. Chief Barbee was released from the hospital at Canacao and transferred to the destroyer USS Peary (DD-226) for duty on the same day. Chief Barbee had barely enough time to stow his gear when the next day (10 Dec) all hell broke loose at Manila Bay.
Wednesday morning, 10 Dec 1941 in Manila broke with clear skies. Just passed high noon and without warning, scores of Japanese fighters and bombers appeared overhead and commenced to wreak havoc on the naval facilities and ships still inport. When the attack was over, most of the naval base was reduced to rubble. Peary had been struck by a bomb which caused extensive damage. A number of her crew were killed, wounded and missing further reducing her manning complement further below acceptable levels. Chief Barbee was not present on board Peary during the attack. In all probability he was working at one of the maintenance shops ashore.
After the 10 Dec attack, Peary's remaining crew set to work repairing their ship. It was a Herculean effort performed by the crew in conjunction with the facilities of Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company to effect the minimum repairs in order to make Peary sea-worthy. Because a large number of Peary's crew were lost, a call for replacements was made by Peary's CO to COMAF and Commandant, Sixteenth Naval District (COM16ND) in Manila. Many sailors from other commands would be transferred to Peary over the next several weeks to help fill her manning shortages. On 23 Dec 1941, Peary got underway on her first war mission; an antisubmarine patrol assignment in the Verde Island Passage between Luzon and the Philippine island of Mindoro. She returned to port late on 24 Dec. On Christmas Day, she made passenger pick-up and delivery runs to Corregidor and Manila.
The day after Christmas 1941, the CO's of Pillsbury and Peary were ashore at a conference with COM16ND, Admiral Rockwell, to discuss releasing their ships to join other US forces in the Netherlands East Indies when enemy bombers suddenly appeared overhead. Peary was attacked by five flights of Japanese high level bombers. Each flight consisted of between 6 to 9 planes. Peary's new CO, Lt Bermingham, watched from ashore as his new executive officer, Lt Martin M. Koivisto, skillfully maneuvered Peary around Manila Bay dodging bomb after bomb for several hours. Though she suffered a few near misses, Peary emerged virtually unscathed. Later that evening, Peary and Pillsbury were ordered to put to sea and proceed south by the best route and join Task Force 5 at Soerabaja, Java. For safety, each ship was to proceed independently.
Peary's voyage south was eventful and dangerous as the Japanese held mastery of the air and sea. Intelligence information provided to Peary just after her departure from Manila indicated that Japanese warships probably lurked along his intended route to Surabaja. Peary's CO changed her track and destination to Darwin, Australia. Peary traveled only by night and during the day she was brought close to shore and tied up to trees and covered with palm fronds and green paint in order to blend with the flora of the various islands. Several times, Japanese bombers flew overhead but did not detect the ship.
About 0800, 28 Dec, Peary sighted a large Japanese four-engine seaplane shadowing her. It was a Kawanishi HK6 "Mavis" flying boat. About 1400, three more Mavis' joined and the attacks began with each plane making two runs dropping a single bomb estimated at 500 pounds. During the attacks, gun crews on Peary kept up continuous fire at the enemy planes. She maneuvered successfully avoiding the bombs while her gun crews threw up a curtain of anti-aircraft fire.
Finally, after the flying boats completed their attacks, two twin engine, single wing torpedo planes appeared and commenced an attack on Peary dropping two torpedoes off the port bow and two off the port quarter. Again, the skipper maneuvered the ship out of danger. However, after dropping their ordnance, the enemy torpedo planes returned to fired several strafing bursts which struck the stacks. They were driven off by heavy shipboard machine gun fire.
Each Australian Hudson made two attacks dropping a single 250 pound shrapnel bomb. There were no direct hits but near misses caused extensive damage. Peary was hit in various places topside and in the engineering spaces. The shrapnel hit in the engineering spaces and knocked one of Peary's two main engines out of commission. One crewman was killed when he was struck by shrapnel (S1c Kenneth E. Quinaux, a machine gunner, was buried at sea during services at 2000 on 29 Dec 1941.). Prior to departing, each Hudson made a strafing run on the ship.
Peary anchored at Port Darwin at 0840, 03 Jan 1942 after a 2100 mile plus transit from Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia. Within a week of arriving at Darwin, twenty-eight enlisted men and officers became ill with a virulent form of Malaria or Dengue Fever, contracted when the ship anchored off remote Maitara Island near Ternate in the Halmakeras. It was necessary to stop there to make repairs after being attacked by Australian aircraft. Eventually eight men would die.
Peary received tender availability services from USS Black Hawk (AD-9) to affect temporary repairs and make Peary seaworthy. Those repairs were completed on 22 Jan 1942. Peary assumed submarine escort duties on numerous occasions. She was an anti-submarine escort for USS Langley (AV-3) from Darwin to Fremantle, Australia between 08-13 Feb 1942 and she steamed with the heavy cruiser, USS Houston (CA-30), escorting a Darwin- Koepang convoy from 14 to 18 Feb 1942. During the convoy, she also searched for an elusive Japanese submarine contact which reduced her fuel supply such that she had to return to Port Darwin to refuel. Her luck was about to run out.
Peary returned to Port Darwin and anchored about 0100, 19 Feb 1942. About 1045 that morning, Port Darwin was subject to a massive air attack by a combined Japanese carrier and land base force of over 200 fighters and bombers. Peary, still at anchor, was hit by five bombs. The fifth bomb, an incendiary, exploded in the after engine room opening the ship to the sea. She sank, stern first with her anti-aircraft guns still firing as the last enemy planes left the area.
Eighty-eight officers and men including the commanding officer were killed in her sinking; 57 survived, 20 of whom were wounded. Chief Barbee is believed to have gone down with his ship. He was listed as missing in action on 19 Feb 1942. His remains were unrecoverable. He was presumed dead on 20 Feb 1943.
Chief Barbee was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal with two pins, China Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp (bronze star in lieu of clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and two bronze stars (one bronze star in lieu of clasp), Philippine Defense Medal with a bronze service star, US Army Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, the WWII Victory Medal and likely eligible for the Combat Action Ribbon (retroactive).
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Chief Barbee's family received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of Murren Arrel BARBEE who died in the service of his country at SEA, Asiatic Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. PEARY, 20 February 1943 (presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives – in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
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On 10 Apr 1942, Mrs Pauline Barbee, the wife of Chief Murren A. Barbee, received a telegram from the Navy Department. It read in part; "The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your husband, Chief Machinist Mate, Murren A. Barbee, US Navy, is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country."
The following year Mrs Pauline Barbee received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated 17 March 1943. It read; "After a full review of all available information, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your husband, Murren A. Barbee, Chief Machinist's Mate, U.S.N., is deceased, having been reported "missing in action' on the 19th day of February 1942, being a member of the crew and serving aboard the U.S.S. Peary when that vessel was sunk in the port of Darwin, Australia. In accordance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, your husband's death is presumed to have occurred on the 20th of February 1943, which is the day following the day of expiration of an absence of twelve months. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your son gave his life for his Country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. The Navy shares in your sense of bereavement and will feel the loss of his service."
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Mrs Pauline Frances Barbee married Albert Graham Soule after 1945. He also served in the US Navy during WWII. Pauline died on 12 Feb 1995 in Del Mar, San Diego, CA. Albert died 05 Nov 1996 also in Del Mar, CA.
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Citation of Units of Both Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Philippine Governments.
--489--
As authorized by Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. II, Bull. 11, W.D., 1942), a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, is awarded to all units of both military and naval forces of the United States and Philippine Governments engaged in the defense of the Philippines since December 7, 1941. (Later, it was called the Army Presidential Unit Citation).
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
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Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
Establishing Authority
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was established by Headquarters, Philippine National Defense Forces, General Order Number 532 of September 14, 1946, as amended.
Acceptance by the United States
For service during World War II, acceptance is sanctioned by Public Law 80-314, which authorized the acceptance and wear of foreign decoration, medals, and awards in connection with services in World War II between the inclusive dates of December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1948.
Effective Dates
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since September 14, 1946.
Criteria
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for extraordinarily meritorious service. The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to United States military personnel who participated in the following:
• World War II
Service in the defense of the Philippines from December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942.
Service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945.
All U.S. military units and naval vessels that earned any of the Philippine engagement stars are entitled to the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.
Certain submarines which maintained physical contact with guerrilla forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands.
Online: https://rollofhonor.org/public/htmldetails.aspx?Cat=foreignaward&EntID=352
Primary Sources:
1) Cox, Jeffery R., Rising Sun, Falling Skies, Osprey Publishing, UK, 2015.
2) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., In the Highest Degree Tragic, The Sacrifice of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in the East Indies During World War II, Potomac Books, 2017.
3) Various Newspaper articles.
4) Deck logs USS Peary retrieved 15 November 2021.
5) Northern Territory Library Roll of Honour: Browse location.
www.ntlexhibit.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
6) Wikipedia page, USS Peary (DD-226), Retrieved 12 November 2021.
7) Wilde, E. Andrew Jr. (Ed). U.S.S. Peary (DD-226) in World War II, Manila to Darwin, 12/10/41-2/19/42: Needham, Mass. The Editor, 2007. http://destroyerhistory.org/assets/pdf/wilde/226peary_wilde.pdf
8) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., A Blue Sea of Blood: deciphering the mysterious fate of the USS Edsall, Zenith Press, 2008.
9) Fold3 by Ancestry Navy Muster reports and Change reports.
10) Ancestry.com Navy WWII muster and Change reports.
11) Excerpts of Bulmer history from Naval History and Heritage Command. John W. Watts, Jr., 2016. Clipped 09 May 2023.
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/b/bulmer-dd-222.html
12) Barbee, Murren A. US Navy Service Record 1923-1945. National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR), St Louis, MO. 2023
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Link to USS Peary
memorial in Darwin, Australia with list of names of those lost in the sinking of the ship.
https://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=1503&MemID=1991
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Bio#366 compiled on 09 Mar 2022, and revised on 10 May 2023 by Gerry Lawton
Military Hall of Honor #124236
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He enlisted on 26 November 1938 in San Diego, California, and served on the USS Warrington, and Whitney before transferring to the Peary on 31 December 1941; he was the Chief Machinists' Mate (PA) (267-64-54). Barbee was survived by his wife Pauline, of 3331 Pickwick Street, San Diego.
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Entered the service from California.
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