Little did we know at our last reunion in Santa Fe in October 2017, that we would be uniting again in this city, a year later to say our warm goodbyes to our dear comrade, friend and loved one Barney Harbin. He passed away on August 28, 2018 on his son’s birthday. His death was the result of an accident while hiking with his son, Patrick in the Jemez Wilderness Mountains of New Mexico. His life’s passion was exploring the lovely, remote regions of New Mexico, the state he loved.
When we, Hotel 2/5 reunion attendees, as a group, travelled to Angel Fire, New Mexico we were so proud to see and learn of David’s USMC Military history in Vietnam displayed there in the museum. He displayed his military uniform and the enemy flag he captured that had his blood stains still on it when he fought so gallantry at Hue City in early 1968.
We so very proud of him and his service to our nation. He not only was a man of great courage and integrity, he loved his country and his Corps. He was both a Purple Heart (twice) and a Silver Star award recipient.
Dave, along with his wife Bonnie, were our reunion hosts at the Santa Fe Hotel 2/5 reunion in 2017. Dave raised the bar with his exceptional leadership to provide a beautiful and informational reunion experience for all who attended. He insisted that the State flag of New Mexico be embroidered on the back of all attendees sweatshirts to remind all of us about his proud State of New Mexico. Each time, we wear that sweatshirt, and look at the New Mexico flag, we will remember Barney Harbin.
Rest in peace, our dear friend.
This picture was taken by Dennis Noah at lunch together Memorial Day 2018 weekend while visiting the USMC Vietnam 5th Marine KIA Memorial at Camp Pendleton, California.
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Barney and I wondered if we would hit our 21st birthday during those long nights in the Arizona. He was a great Marine and marvelous friend. Little did I know that our trip to Pendleton Memorial Day 2018 for the 5th Marines memorial would be our last time together. It was a special trip but even more so now. We never took that trip back to An Hoa and Hue that we planned. I will miss our long talks and you every day for the rest of my life. Semper Fi brother. Doc Noah
I had the wonderful experience of working with Barney and his wife last year spending tens and tens of hours together on the telephone planning the 2017 Santa Fe Reunion together. He shared a lot with me about his love for the mountains and many of his personal experiences in Vietnam. He was a gracious man and was full of love and kindness. I too, last saw Dave at our Hotel 2/5 dinner Memorial Day weekend and the time at the Camp Pendleton 2/5 Vietnam Memorial for all who died in 2/5 in the Vietnam War. Rita and I were glad we were able to attend Dave’s burial service at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on October 5th 2018. Rest in peace. Semper Fi. Larry