Elwood Stringer
American Legion
Post 325
Flatwoods, Kentucky
(606) 836-7184
"For those who fought for it
Freedom has a taste
The Protected
Will Never Know"
October 19, 1920 - November 13, 1942
Thought to be the first Flatwoods native
to be killed in World War II,
Lloyd Elwood Stringer,
was stationed on the American Destroyer
U.S.S. Barton - DD-599.
The Barton was lost off Savo Island,
just north of Guadalcanal
13 November 1942.
These pages are dedicated to MM1c Stringer, and his shipmates.
May their souls truly rest in peace.
Against great odds on 13 November Barton, in company with Rear Admiral D. J. Callaghan's landing support group, took part in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Barton commenced firing on the Japanese ships at approximately 0148. After launching four torpedoes she had to come to an emergency stop to avoid a collision. While she was practically dead in the water, two enemy torpedoes found their mark. The first torpedo struck her forward fireroom and, a few seconds later, a second torpedo struck her forward engine-room. Within seconds, Barton broke in two and sank, carrying with her an estimated 80 percent of her valiant crew. Shells from enemy ships also landed among the survivors. 175 men were killed Forty-two survivors were rescued by Portland (CA-33) and Higgins boats from Guadalcanal.
Barton received four battle stars for her service during October and November 1942.
Being a LEGIONNAIRE is a privilege, not a right.
The Legion’s reason and purpose for gathering is not for veterans
to exchange war stories. The Post is here to serve the veterans, their families,
communities, youth, and our State
and Nation to the best of its abilities
For God and Country
We associate ourselves together for the following
purposes.
To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of
America.
To maintain Law & Order.
To foster and perpetuate a one hundred
percent Americanism.
To preserve the memories and incidents
of our
associations in the great wars.
To inculcate a sense of individual
obligation
to the Community, State and Nation.
To combat the autocracies
of both the classes and the masses.
To make right the master of might.
To promote peace and goodwill on earth.
To safeguard and transmit to
posterity
the principles of Justice, Freedom and Democracy.
To consecrate
and sanctify our comradeship
by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
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