Lester J. Barre’s Navy Cross citation
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to
Lester John Barre
Quartermaster Second Class, U.S. Navy
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action during the attack on the Light Cruiser U.S.S. MARBLEHEAD (CL-12), by Japanese enemy bombers on 4 February 1942. Surrounded by electrical fires, Quartermaster Second Class Barre worked tirelessly and with unflinching courage to free the jammed rudder and to lock it amidships. The conduct of Quartermaster Second Class Barre throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.