Quick Facts
Biography
Major General Raymond Oscar "Tubby" Barton (August 22, 1889 – February 27, 1963) was a career officer in the United States Army and combat commander in World War I and World War II. As commander of the 4th Infantry Division during World War II, Barton is one of only eleven U.S. Army general officers who commanded their divisions for the duration of their combat service.
Background and early career
He graduated from the United States Military Academy class of 1912. As commander of the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment he served in Germany from 1917 to 1923, being the last formation to leave.
World War II
He commanded the 4th Infantry Division from 3 July 1942 to 26 December 1944 and led them into battle from D-Day at Utah Beach, to the Liberation of Paris, and into the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest before leaving the command due to health problems on December 27, 1944.
During the war he became friends with Ernest Hemingway who sought his favor as the war correspondent assigned to the division and the two corresponded after.
Hemingway wrote to Barton:
During the Battle of Hurtgen Forest on the Weisser Weh stream near Grosshau, Germany General Barton gave up his belt for tourniquet material to medic Russell J. York of his division at York's request. Lives were saved, and a Silver Star was personally awarded to Technician (Medical) 4th Grade York by General Barton for his actions.
Death
Barton died in 1963 and was buried at Westover Memorial Park in Augusta, Georgia.
Popular culture
In the film The Longest Day he is played by Edmond O'Brien. He appears in a scene where he allows his assistant division commander, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. (played by Henry Fonda), to lead the division ashore at D-Day.