Memorial

More information

Sgt Shelby W. Barriger attended high school for one year and was an airplane mechanic and repairman before he enlisted in Louisville, Kentucky on 18 November 1942.

He was killed by artillery shell fragments.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Serrig, Germany, on 15 March 1945. On the afternoon of 15 March 1945, while waiting on a hill near Serrig to receive attack orders, Sgt Barriger, a K Company squad leader, and his assistant squad leader came under intermittent enemy artillery fire and dug shelters for themselves by improving two large shell holes. In subsequent actions, Sgt Barriger and the assistant squad leader were returning with their men to occupy the two shelters when the enemy opened up with a heavy barrage of artillery rocket and mortar fire. Although they realized there would be no room for themselves, Sgt Barriger and the assistant squad leader ordered their men to occupy the two shelters which they previously constructed and which they knew to be the only adequate cover available in the vicinity. Remaining in the open, Sgt Barriger and his comrade were killed in the enemy barrage.