BATH, Maine  —Medal of Honor recipient, 1st Lt. Harvey "Barney" Barnum, witnessed the christening of the future U.S. Navy destroyer bearing his name. The ceremony, held at Bath Iron Works shipbuilder, paid tribute to the valor displayed by Barnum during a harrowing firefight in Vietnam.

Amid an ambush, Barnum took command of a rifle company he had recently joined, leading them in a counterattack and ensuring the evacuation of the wounded.

His bravery and leadership earned him this esteemed honor, and he expressed humility and gratitude at the prospect of a warship carrying his name.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including Maine's governor, senators, and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, all acknowledging Barnum's heroism and dedication to his fellow Marines. Gen. Eric Smith, the acting Marine Corps commandant, praised him as an "icon, a legend, a Marine."

Barnum reflected on that fateful day in 1965, where, outnumbered and caught off guard, he inspired his comrades to stand firm in the face of danger.

After retiring as a colonel from the Marine Corps, Barnum served the secretary of defense in various capacities. The destroyer, displacing 9,500 tons, is a formidable Arleigh Burke-class ship designed for anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, and anti-ship warfare.

As the ship's sponsor, his wife, Martha Hill, took part in the ceremony, joined by family and friends, making it a touching family affair for the Vietnam War hero.

The guided-missile destroyer, still undergoing preparations, will serve the Navy with honor and carry the legacy of Lt. Harvey C. Barnum Jr. into the future.