Briefing Document: Charles Allan Barnard

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Summary of Information Regarding Charles Allan Barnard

Source: Excerpts from pasted text (no title provided)

1. Introduction:

This document summarizes the life and death of Charles Allan Barnard, born January 7, 1934, based on the provided text. The information is primarily biographical, focusing on his family, upbringing, and ultimately, his tragic death while serving in the US Navy.

2. Key Biographical Details:

Birth and Family: Charles Allan Barnard was born in Abilene, Texas, on January 7, 1934, to Ina Eutychus Gattis and George Madison Barnard. His parents were 37 and 40, respectively, at the time of his birth.

Early Life and Family Movement: The text tracks Barnard's family across Texas.

1935: Living in Abilene, Taylor County.

1940: At age 6, living with his parents, six sisters, and three brothers in Jones County, Texas.

1944: Family moved to Callahan County, Texas.

1950: At age 16, living with his parents, two sisters, and two brothers in Callahan County and attending school.

Education and Military Service:1951: Graduated from Cross Plains High School.

Attended Abilene Christian College for two years.

August 1955: Enlisted in the Naval Aviation Cadet program in Dallas, Texas.

Completed basic training in Pensacola, Florida and served in Kingsville, Texas.

Summer of 1956: Assigned to the Naval Base in Cuba.

Military Rank: Lieutenant (junior grade) in the US Navy Reserve, with the service number O-606813.

3. Key Facts Regarding Death:

Date of Death: January 17, 1958.

Cause of Death: Killed in a plane crash at sea.

Location of Crash: No details were provided to the family. The specific location of the crash is unknown, per the document. The document states: "No details of the crash or the location were given to his parents by Navy officials."

Body Recovery: His body was not recovered.

Memorial Service: A memorial service was held in Cross Plains, Texas, on January 21, 1958.

Memorial: In November 1973, his father ordered a VA Marker to be placed in the Cross Plains Memorial Park, as a memorial to his son.

4. Key Themes and Ideas:

Family and Roots: The text emphasizes Barnard's family history and their movements within Texas. The detailed family structure provided shows a close-knit family unit, which makes his loss even more tragic.

Service and Sacrifice: Barnard's enlistment in the Naval Aviation Cadet program and his subsequent service in Cuba highlight his commitment to the military. His death in the line of duty underscores the sacrifice of those who serve.

Tragedy and Lack of Closure: The lack of information provided to his parents regarding the crash is a recurring theme. The phrase, "No details of the crash or the location were given to his parents by Navy officials" suggests a lack of transparency. The fact that his body was never recovered likely added to the family’s pain and sense of loss.

Lasting Memory: The placement of a memorial marker in 1973 highlights the long-lasting impact of his loss on his family, and shows their commitment to remembering him even 15 years after his death.

5. Conclusion:

The provided text paints a picture of a young man, Charles Allan Barnard, who grew up in a large family, served his country, and died tragically while on duty. His story is marked by both a clear biographical record and a frustrating lack of details surrounding the circumstances of his death. The text clearly conveys the human loss and the family's struggle for closure following their son's tragic fate.

This briefing document serves as a concise summary of the key facts and themes present in the provided text. Further research may be needed to provide a complete biography of his life and gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding his death.