Col. Van T. Barfoot is 90 years old and a highly decorated veteran of World War II.  In fact, his family claims that he’s the single most highly honored vet still living.  Unfortunately, his fight with fascism didn’t end in the 40’s.

Col. Barfoot has installed a flag pole in the front yard of his Richmond, VA home and proudly flies the United States flag upon it.  Sadly, the Sussex Square Homeowners Association doesn’t like it one bit.  Such a gaudy display, it seems, doesn’t conform to the proper level of neighborhood decorum.  As a result, the Colonel has been order to remove the eyesore.

It’s important to note that the by-laws of his condo association don’t forbid flagpoles.  They simply indicate that they must be “aesthetically appropriate.”

Barfoot’s military record reads like a list of possible honors, not the remarkable achievements of a solitary man.  He’s received just about every medal you’ve ever heard of, including three Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, the Legion Of Merit, the Silver Star, and the Medal Of Honor.

Below is the extraordinary text of his Medal Of Honor commendation.

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944, near Carano, Italy.

With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt. Barfoot (then Tech. Sgt.) moved off alone upon the enemy left flank. He crawled to the proximity of 1 machinegun nest and made a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3 Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another machinegun emplacement, and with his tommygun killed 2 and captured 3 soldiers.

Members of another enemy machinegun crew then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt. Barfoot. Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up, he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area, capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17.

Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and consolidated the newly captured ground, the enemy launched a fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions. Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks.

From a distance of 75 yards his first shot destroyed the track of the leading tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed direction toward the flank. As the crew of the disabled tank dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun.

He continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in the breech.

While returning to his platoon position, Sgt. Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts, assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a position of safety.

Sgt. Barfoot’s extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of pointblank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers.”

It’s astonishing that the Sussex Square Association would want to pick this fight.  They claim “This is not about the American flag. This is about a flagpole,” but Col. Barfoot isn’t buying it.

“It’s really ridiculous to want to keep the flag from being flown,” he said. “I’ve heard some terrible excuses out there.”

What’s sadder still is the notion that, despite overwhelming support from the public and his Senator, the Colonel stands to lose his fight.  There’s plenty of precedent in similar cases where the homeowners have been defeated.

Here’s a thought for condo and homeowner associations everywhere:  When you’re faced with an honest-to-God American hero who wants to fly the U.S. flag?  Just let him.  You won’t be doing yourselves, or your neighborhood, any favors by trying to shut him down.

Live near Sussex Square?  Please.  Let them know what you think.

- Robert Laurie

Get more info from Jonathan Turly and from ABCnews.

Here’s the original WTVR news report on the matter: