Rex T. Barber
1917–2001 (age 84)
fighter pilot
Biography
Rex T. Barber flew the Lockheed P-38 Lightning with calm precision during World War II and was one of the pilots entrusted with the daring mission to intercept Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto in 1943, an action that curtailed a pivotal Japanese campaign.
After his military service he returned to Oregon, sharing stories that honored the courage of his comrades and quietly mentoring younger generations about leadership, integrity, and the cost of freedom.