Editor’s note: This article contains descriptions of graphic wartime scenes that some readers may find disturbing. Renowned military historian John C. McManus named the Battle of Boomerang as one of the five most desperate battles fought between 1950 and 2003 by the 7th Infantry Regiment, and named Robert Barfield’s display as one of the five bravest exploits. The four other soldiers on that list received the Medal of Honor. Barfield has not. This is the story of Robert Barfield, a decorated veteran of the Korean War, whose life reads like a novel. His formative years can only be described as hardscrabble. But it’s the lack of recognition for his heroic exploits that may be the harshest. Growing Up Barfield was born in Philadelphia during the arduous years of The Great Depression. His parents were divorced. His mother abandoned the family, and his father couldn’t afford to keep him and his …