Roy W. Barton was born in Mitchell, Indiana on July 6, 1892; he was the son of David and Mollie (Blackwelder) Barton and he was a laborer in Mitchell.

He enlisted in the Army on April 20, 1917 at Columbus Barracks, Ohio; he had three years prior service in the Regular Army. He was assigned to Company B, 26th Infantry, 1st Division. He was promoted to Corporal on May 29, 1917 and was deployed overseas on June 13, 1917. He was promoted to Sergeant on January, 9, 1918. Sergeant Barton was in the battle at Soissons and was killed in action October 9, 1918 at Meuse-Argonne.

He received the Silver Star Citation for "conspicuous gallantry in action during the operations July 18-23, 1918 near Soissons...he led his details with bravery and excellent judgment," as written in the narrative by his brigade commander.

Source of information: Indiana Book of Merit: Official Individual Decorations and Commendations Awarded to Indiana Men and Women for Service in the World War. Comp. Harry A. Rider. Indianapolis: Historical Bureau, 1932