BATTERTON, ROY J., JR.

Col. Roy Joseph Batterton, Jr., a highly decorated Marine officer and former principal of the Clarke County High School, died Sunday, October 14, 2012, at the age of 94 of complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Col. Batterton graduated from the University of Kentucky and received his commission in the Marine Corps in 1940. He fought in the Pacific in World War II and in Korea, winning a Silver Star in both wars. His other citations for valor included: two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, two Presidential Unit Citations, the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with five citations and the Medal of Valor.

He began his military career assigned to the American Embassy in London and was one of the very first Marines to complete the British commando school in Scotland. Around this original group was formed four battalions of the elite Marine Raiders. Col. Batterton fought with the Fourth Battalion throughout the Pacific Theater.

Among his writings are “You Fight by the Book” and “Random Notes from Korea.”

He went on to become chief of staff of U.S. naval forces in Haiti from 1962 to 1963 and retired from the Marine Corps in 1966.

He went on to receive a Masters Degree in education from the University of Virginia in 1971 and held the office of principal of the Clarke County High School from 1970 to 1981.

After retirement from education he ran a horse trailer sales business from his home in Berryville.

As a friend wrote: “Roy Batterton was a gentleman and a gentle man. You could spend two hours with him and never learn that he fought in two wars–let alone winning Silver Stars for bravery in each. He was a most modest man, yet stood above most men in his service to his country and to his community. His was a quiet and remarkable life. One of the last of the “Greatest Generation.”

He is survived by his wife, Joan, daughter, Barbara, and son, Barry.

A memorial service will be held at the Duncan Memorial Methodist Church Berryville Saturday the 27th at 11 a.m.