The family of the late Cpl. Billy Barnett will donate the late serviceman’s medals to the Lawrence County Historical Museum at 2 p.m. today.

Barnett, formerly of Hanging Rock, was killed in action Sept. 16, 1950, during the Korean War.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart.

Jeff Fields is Barnett’s nephew. He said a family friend, Lowell Mullins, had approached the family recently and had asked if they would be willing to donate the medals.

Fields said said he thought the donation was a fitting tribute to a hero.

“I had heard about him since I was young. He was my mother’s younger brother and he died before I was born,” Fields said. “When I got older I read the news clippings and what he did was pretty heroic,” Fields said. “He saved quite a few people’s lives.”

According to information from a family friend, Donald Butler, Barnett was a member of the U.S. Army’s 27th Infantry regiment known as “The Wolfhounds” of the 25th Infantry Division. That outfit had been deployed in the occupation of Japan, but after the war broke out in Korea, Barnett and the rest of the Wolfhounds were sent there.

According to military documents of the time, Barnett and some fellow soldiers came under attack and he remained behind and battled the enemy, allowing the other soldiers to escape safely. He was last seen attacking oncoming North Koreans with a shovel, Butler said.

Historical society members said they are pleased with the donation.

“I think this is wonderful,” Lawrence County Historical Society trustee Naomi Deer said. “I think all of Lawrence County should be proud of this boy.”

Deer said the medals will be put on display in the museum’s Military Room.