William Chee Barker
submitted by: Liam Campbell
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My great grandpa, William Chee Barker, was born on March 12, 1926 in Sanders, Arizona. William was from the Red Running Into The Water Clan, and for the One That Walks Around People Clan, and he was Native American, from the Navajo Tribe.
William served in the Navy for 40 years, He served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was an engineer in the Navy. When William was 16 he lied about his age to join the Navy to fight in World War II. After 2 years He went back to high school to finish and graduate. Then he returned to Military service.
William served his country with honor, He had many honors and medals, including The Purple Heart and The Bronze Star from President Richard Nixon. He also received a certificate of appreciation from President William Clinton. He retired from the Navy in 1993. William died on December 30, 1994 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
William had 9 brothers and 2 sisters, many of his brothers had served in the military. He got married on July 4, 1955 In Las Vegas to Mary Jane Tsosie. She was from Wide Ruins, Arizona. They had 5 kids, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. My grandpa is one of the brothers that is still alive.
William loved to go to beaches, and have picnics after he was in the Navy. Even after he was in the Navy, he still liked and sometimes had the Navy food called chow. He also liked homemade fried bread and sheep stew, in addition to the Navy food.
William went to Japan for a while, and some people thought he was Asian by the way he looked. Also, he saw Mount Fuji on his way. Next, William loved western shows and waited for them to come out and watch them with his family, but now we have to watch them on disc or Youtube because it was a while ago when they came out. Then, William got interested in boxing, in addition to that he loved watching live boxing matches together with his family. He was training for the Navy boxing team, and also tried out for the Olympics.
He also found a puppy and brought him home and treated him well and named Bum. Bum was a mixed and chunky dog.
William was also an industrial engineer by building small boat engines and Navy ship engines for many ships and boats. Lastly, William had been on many ships to many places including Japan, Germany, and Asia. Also fixing the engines along the way.
In conclusion, I think he was very brave, industrial, and inspiring to others. Also almost all of my ancestors have been in the Navy including one of my uncles, but left after a few years.