Howard C. Barling’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

FIELD MUSIC FIRST CLASS HOWARD C. BARLING, USMCR.,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Fifth Defense Battalion, Reinforced, Fleet Marine Force, during the enemy Japanese bombing of Funafuti Island on April 22, 1943. When the slit trench which he occupied caved in from an exploding Japanese bomb, Field Music First Class Barling dug out a comrade from under the debris and assisted in rescuing the remaining men. During this action an Army plane about 75 feet away, fully loaded with fused bombs and gasoline, received a hit from an exploding bomb, caught fire and exploded, showering him with fragments and burning gasoline and setting fire to several personnel huts in the immediate area. Although suffering from minor burns and wounds, Field Music First Class Barling disregarded the fires and exploding .50-caliber ammunition in the burning plane, and continued his rescue efforts until all personnel in the trench had been removed to safety. His courage, perserverance, and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
FRANK KNOX
Secretary of the Navy,