News Summary
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Association will unveil a memorial plaque for Maj. Robert L. Barto during his 100th birthday celebration. Barto served in multiple branches of the military across three major conflicts, including WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. His lifelong dedication to service is highlighted by the honor being bestowed upon him, commemorating his remarkable contributions and legacy. As the community gathers to celebrate, the event serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans throughout history.
La Jolla Commemorates Maj. Robert L. Barto with Memorial Plaque on 100th Birthday
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Association is set to honor Maj. Robert L. Barto (Ret.), a resident of La Jolla, for his remarkable service spanning multiple decades in the U.S. armed forces. A memorial plaque dedicated to Maj. Barto will be unveiled as part of his centennial celebration with friends and family on Saturday.
Born in New Jersey in 1925, Maj. Barto began his service journey at a young age, volunteering as a firefighter and mail carrier during World War II at just 15 years old. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on his 18th birthday, October 29, 1943. Following rigorous training in air liaison and aviation radio, including time spent in Coronado, he was deployed with the 5th Marine Division.
In February 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, Maj. Barto’s exceptional bravery earned him commendation for his courageous acts as a stretcher bearer, aiding in the movement of supplies and the evacuation of the wounded amidst constant fire.
After World War II, Maj. Barto transitioned from the Marine Corps to the Army-Air Corps in 1947. He attended airplane and engine mechanic school and initiated pilot training in 1949, where he operated cargo planes throughout the Korean War during the 1950s. During these years, he also met his wife, Marty, and together they raised four children stationed at various military locations.
Maj. Barto’s illustrious military tenure culminated in 1967 when he earned an Air Medal for his role as a combat crew member in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He ultimately retired from the Air Force at Kelly Air Force Base in 1970 and settled with his family in La Jolla, where he still resides today.
Honoring a Distinguished Legacy
The executive director of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association, Neil O’Connell, emphasized Barto’s extensive commitment to service across two branches of the military and three major conflicts. A plaque recounting his story will be enshrined at Mt. Soledad to preserve his legacy and contributions.
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is located at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr. South and is accessible to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. This prominent site honors over 6,500 living and deceased veterans, providing a space for reflection and remembrance.
Maj. Barto’s family expressed immense pride in his accomplishments, with particular mention of his granddaughter who highlighted the significance of his contributions to American history. Notably, the Barto family boasts a rich tradition of military service, with his great-grandson aspiring to join the Marines in the future.
The Mt. Soledad Memorial Association continuously strives to recognize and honor veterans, adding three to five new tributes weekly and currently developing over 200 plaques to memorialize those who served.
As the community gathers to celebrate Maj. Barto’s life and achievements, his enduring dedication to service is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless veterans throughout history. The unveiling of his memorial plaque will serve as an inspiration for future generations and as a lasting tribute to a life well-lived in service to the nation.
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Additional Resources
- Times of San Diego: Maj. Robert Barto to be Honored at Mt. Soledad
- Wikipedia: Maj. Robert L. Barto
- Fox 5 San Diego: Decorated Veteran Hero Turns 100
- Google Search: Robert Barto military
- NBC San Diego: 100-Year-Old Veteran Honored
- Google Scholar: Military Honors for Veterans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military History
- Google News: Recent Military Honors
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
