April 2013 - Delaware Tribe of Indians

Page 16 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) April 2013Barnes, cont’d from page 15The Pursuit and its crew went from island to island in thePacific. Eddie learned to protect himself and his buddieswith the guns on the ship, as often they encountered enemyfire after the sweeping was finished. Eddie said it was asthough they were invisible. They swept for mines in theactual invasion of the Philippines and a destroyer went into the Philippines after the Pursuit and it was shot to pieces.Another ship next to the Pursuit was hit by Kamikaze gunsand was completely submerged.Because Eddie was from Oklahoma, he often told theguys on board the USS Pursuit that he knew Bob Wills.When the Pursuit was in dock for repairs at Portland, OR,there was a sign saying Bob Wills and the Texas Playboyswere at Jackson Beach. His mates wanted Eddie to takethem out to Jackson Beach to introduce them to Bob Wills.Eddie tried to get out of it, but they finally went to a café atthe Beach. Eddie had been to dances as Cains Ballroom inTulsa and he recognized Tommy Duncan when he saw himin the café. He told his buddies who Tommy was and theywanted Eddie to introduce them to him. So Tommy wassitting at the bar and Eddie and his friends walked up, andEddie tapped Tommy on the shoulder and said, “Hi Tommy.”Tommy turned around and said, “How in the worldare you?” He said, “ fine.” The guys’ eyes got big aroundand they wanted Tommy’s autograph.There were thirteen men who went all the way throughmilitary service on the Pursuit together. On January 8,1946, Eddie was honorably discharged. He received thePhilippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon (2 stars), VictoryMedal, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal (7 stars),American Area Campaign Medal (5 stars), and Good ConductMedal. The Purple Heart would have been awarded ifEddie had not refused treatment after being hit with shrapnel.All his life when he heard USS Pursuit, it was likehearing dad and mother. The men have a reunion everyyear and he would attend to reminisce and remember theiradventures.Eddie went back to finish school at Chilocco IndianSchool. He met and married the love of his life, LeonaBennefield, a Creek girl. Their three children—E. J., Binnie,and Mollie—are a testimony to his compassion, integrity,humanity and godliness. He was called to the ministryby God and attended Oklahoma Baptist University, wherehe graduated as a minister of the Gospel. He served hisLord and Savior all the rest of the days of his life.■