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Retired Naval Aviator Celebrates 101st Birthday at National Naval Aviation Museum
May 7, 2025
Retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Clyde “Cash” Barber celebrated his 101st birthday May 6 at the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.
“There’s no secret about it,” said Barber. “All you have to do is thank the dear lord for another beautiful day … that’s what has worked for me, and that can work for anybody.”
Barber, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, has been a dedicated volunteer at the NNAM for over a decade. He said that he spends every Tuesday sharing his experiences with visitors in front of a PBY-5 Catalina aircraft—the same model he served on during World War II.
“There are very few of us left,” said Barber. “If we don’t tell our stories then there won’t be any stories to tell. I’m blessed to be able to tell my stories, and I love telling them, so it’s my pleasure to be here once a week.”
“It’s just a great day, and he is so representative of the men and women who serve this great country and have done so for 250 years,” said NNAM Director Capt. (ret.) Sterling Gilliam.
Barber enlisted in the Navy in May 1941 at the age of 17. He served as a flight engineer on Catalina patrol bombers in the Pacific theater during World War II, participating in missions from Midway to the Philippines. After the war, he continued his service and retired in 1971 after he rose to the rank of lieutenant commander.
The birthday celebration took place on the Cabot Flight deck of the museum with family, friends and museum visitors and staff. NNAM Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Rear Adm. (ret.) Kyle Cozad praised Barber’s commitment to service and education at the museum.
“We have the opportunity to sit and listen to the stories that only Cash Barber can tell about his experiences,” said Cozad. “Cash is an example of the most important thing about this museum, and it’s not the more than 150 beautifully restored airplanes – it’s the people behind those airplanes and the stories they have to tell.”
story by Garrett Dipuma, Naval Air Station Pensacola
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Russell Lindsey for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
4 Responses to “Retired Naval Aviator Celebrates 101st Birthday at National Naval Aviation Museum”
Thank you for all the service you did,,that is amazing career,have a wonderful birthday
Happy Birthday Flyboy. ICU still have ur Leather Flight Jacket. My dad AO 1st Class Bow Turret Gunner VPB 26 Pacific. Me Aircrew 130s VR 21 Vietnam. Fly Navy Fly Marines.
Bravo Zulu – Job Well Done.
Thank you for your Service
Happy Birthday sir and thank you for your service to our country.