John Andrew Barnes III (April 16, 1945 – November 12, 1967) was a soldier of the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

[3][4][5][a] He wanted to leave Dedham High School early to become a Marine aviator, but his parents talked him into finishing.

[7] Shortly after graduating from Dedham High School, Barnes enlisted in the United States Army and went through basic training at Fort Pickett.

[5] While retrieving more ammunition, Barnes dived on top of a grenade that had landed among American wounded in order to use his body to protect them from the blast.

[1][4][5][10] His parents accepted the award on his behalf from Spiro Agnew in the Vice President's executive office in Washington, D.C.[4][5] Carson and her husband, James Fleming, and the oldest four of their seven children also attended.

Medal of Honor citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Barnes was serving as a grenadier when his unit was attacked by a North Vietnamese force, estimated to be a battalion.

Barnes, without hesitation, dashed through the bullet swept area, manned the machine gun, and killed 9 enemy soldiers as they assaulted his position.

Barnes observed an enemy grenade thrown into the midst of some severely wounded personnel close to his position.

Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, he averted a probable loss of life and injury to the wounded members of his unit.

Barnes' extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S.

members from dozens of towns, and local marching bands proceeded to the intersection of East Street and Eastern Ave., where a marble monument was unveiled in Barnes' honor.

[10] A building used by the United States Navy, located at 495 Summer Street in Boston, was renovated and renamed for Barnes.

the United States Air Force Band, a color guard, tanks, military trucks and static displays.