Did you know the United States had expeditions to Antarctica? It was on one of these expeditions in 1956 that the young Robert Barger III arrived on the icy continent. More specifically, he arrived at the South Pole, the point at the southern end of Earth’s axis.
Barger enlisted with the Civil Air Patrol when he was 13. He worked hard to finish high school early so he could become a pilot. The Civil Air Patrol is a partner with the US Air Force. The group helps with search and rescue missions. His work with the Civil Air Patrol got him selected for a mission. The operation’s goal was to set up a base at the South Pole in Antarctica. While in Antarctica, Barger had to endure temperatures far below zero. Because it was summer, the sun was up 24 hours a day!
Barger arrived in Antarctica on October 25th, 1956, when he was 17 years old. His official job was to be the assistant photographer for his team of 80 people. He took many pictures and made short movies to record the mission. This wasn’t all he did, though! He helped deliver supplies that were used to build the base. He also tested a new Navy swimsuit in freezing water. He met explorers from other countries and even befriended some penguins!
In 1960, a new medal was created to honor the service of those involved in the United States’ exploration of Antarctica. The Antarctic Service Medal is awarded to any United States citizen who has spent 15 days in Antarctica in service to a US operation. The Air Force only discovered in 2021 that Robert Barger was eligible for the medal. That’s 65 years after his expedition! Although he hadn’t served in the military for over 50 years, Barger greeted the Brigadier General who awarded him the medal with a formal salute.
What Do You Think? Why would Robert Barger work to finish high school early and join the Civil Air Patrol so young?
Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD)
