William H. Barry, Jr.’s Silver Star citation

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

CORPORAL WILLIAM H. BARRY, JR., USMC.,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as gunner of a self-propelled 75-mm. gun serving with the First Marine Division during an engagement with enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, January 3-4, 1944. While his weapon was attempting to force a crossing over a river under a devastating attack by hostile rifles, machine guns and mortars from strongly fortified positions, Corporal Barry skillfully directed the fire of a machine gun against enemy snipers and concealed enemy emplacements until the weapon advanced to a position where it could fire point blank on the hostile forces holding up the advance of Third Battalion. Corporal Barry’s extreme bravery and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
/s/ James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy

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Born: 8 November 1922 in Providence, R.I…. Home of record: Hartford, Conn…. Assigned to Weapons Company, 7th Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division… Passed: 24 February 2014… Interred: Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford, Conn.