FORT CAMPBELL, KY – A 101st Airborne Division Soldier died May 24th when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire in the Khowst province, Afghanistan.
Pfc. Christopher Ryan Barton, 22, of Concord, NC, was an infantryman assigned to C Troop, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He joined the Army in December 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in June 2009.
His awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; NATO Medal; Army Service Ribbon and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Barton is survived by his wife, Heather N. Barton and his mother, Elaine Schmiedeshoff, both of Harrisburg, N.C.
A memorial service will be held in Afghanistan.
Battalion Chaplain Remarks
“All of us knew PFC Barton to be a fine Soldier. I recall my first conversation with him. It was obvious he enjoyed being a Warrior. He had a great sense of humor. He was just fun to be around. His passing is so difficult on the War Rakkasans.” – U.S. Army Chaplain Capt. Bernard Cornell, Task Force 1-33 Cavalry Chaplain
Battalion Commander Remarks
“The Squadron is less for this loss, but don’t let his death be for nothing. We must use this tragedy to strengthen the Squadron. We must use his example to focus our efforts, strengthen our resolve, and cement our brotherhood as we continue our mission against terrorism in this country. We will continue forward. To do anything else will cheapen Chris’ sacrifice, to do anything other than our duty will tarnish his memory.” – U.S. Army Lt.Col. Stephen Lutsky, Commander, 1-33 CAV
Company Commander Remarks
“PFC Barton accepted the awesome responsibility of defending his country, our country, in a time of war. In spite of any fear or other discontent that he may have felt, PFC Barton got up every morning, and as a man, he willingly put forward a 100% effort on his assigned mission, not knowing that he might not live to see the next day. PFC Barton, in my opinion, exemplified dedication to duty.” – U.S. Army Capt. Brandon Hathorne (NOT Hawthorne), Commander C Troop, 1-33 CAV
Squad Leader Remarks
“During my time as his squad leader I had the great honor of mentoring training and shaping Chris Barton. He soaked up every detail like a sponge and retained the information. Just before we deployed he asked me if I thought this deployment was going to be difficult. I told him that I had every faith and confidence in his chain of command as well as the Soldiers he served with and their ability to lead. He seemed at peace with my words, it was as if a burden was lifted from his shoulders.
The fondest memory of Chris Barton that comes to mind has to be the month we spent at JRTC. He and [Pfc. Justin]Schuler were inseparable, always cracking jokes and being infantrymen. His smile, the joker smile as we all called it, was noticeable always. The insane nights in the hooch were always filled with laughter with Barton at the center of it. Day in and day out he would always brighten the mood with that overcoming smile. Chris Barton had the utmost respect for his platoon and for others in the company. He seemed to always walk by my room with that goofy smile and I couldn’t help but laugh.” – U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gaetano Noriega, squad leader
Remarks from members of his unit
“He always had the joker smile on his face and looked at the brighter side of things, even when times were tough. He wanted to help me better myself by taking me to the gym with him. I love him like a brother and he will be forever ingrained[sic] in my heart.” – U.S. Army Sgt. Zachariah Oeland
“PFC Barton would always ask questions about everything. He didn’t do it to be annoying, be did it because he constantly wanted to expand his understanding of things. I wish I could have had an entire platoon of Bartons with his zeal to learn.” – U.S. Army 1st Lt. David Benning, platoon leader
“Chris Barton was a true patriot and friend; no one will ever be able to replace the loss we all feel. We are truly blessed to have had such a fine man as Chris in our lives.” – U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Braden Sickles
