Updated

A World War II Medal of Honor winner who made headlines for his fight to fly an American flag in his Virginia front yard, has died. Retired Army Col. Van Thomas Barfoot was 92.

Barfoot gained national attention and even support from the White House in 2009 when he fought to keep his 21-foot flagpole at his Henrico County home after the homeowners association ordered it removed and threatened to sue him.

The association later backed off, but Barfoot's fight led to a state law making it tougher for homeowners associations to restrict the flying of the U.S. flag.

Jim Barfoot told WWBT-TV that his father died Friday after suffering injuries from a fall earlier in the week.

Bliley's Funeral Home in Richmond said the funeral would be private.

SLIDESHOW: Medal of Honor winner Col. Van Barfoot