This past summer the U.S. Navy named a destroyer after Saint Anselm alumnus, retired Marine Colonel and Medal of Honor recipient, Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum Jr.

Colonel Barnum graduated from Saint A’s in 1962 and was then commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received the Medal of Honor for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty” in the Vietnam War. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest honor and was presented to Colonel Barnum at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C.

The naming ceremony for the destroyer was also held July 28 at the Marine Barracks, a location which holds deep meaning for the honoree. Colonel Barnum described the event as “a gathering of grateful Americans” surrounded by family, friends and service members.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus names these ships as part of a long standing Navy tradition of perpetuating the legacy of [the ship’s] namesake”.

He describes Colonel Barnum as “an American hero whose entire life defines service and sacrifice,” “an inspiration to all those that follow in his footsteps.”

Colonel Barnum revealed to Crier staff that he is humbled and honored “to join the list of my brother Medal of Honor recipients” who also had ships named after them.

He also looks forward to working with the crew of this destroyer and visiting the ship builders in Bath, Maine who will assemble the modules.

Colonel Barnum continues his commitment to Saint Anselm College. He recently donated some of his personal papers and photographs to be kept in the college’s archives for future research.

In addition he visited the Saint Anselm College football team during summer training. He spoke of the shared values of Saint Anselm College and the Marines; love of God and country, discipline, courage and fidelity.