George S. Barnes’ Silver Star citation

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

STAFF SERGEANT GEORGE S. BARNES, U.S. MARINE CORPS,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Marine Fighting Squadron TWO TWENTY-FOUR during the bombardment of Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, by enemy Japanese surface and air forces on the night of October 13-14, 1942. When a heavy enemy shell struck dangerously close to a bomb shelter, burying five marines under a mass of earth and debris, Staff Sergeant Barnes, hearing cries for help, voluntarily exposed himself to the intense fire of hostile shells and bombs and, with several other men, set to work rescuing their imprisoned comrades. Due to the quick thinking and heroic efforts of Staff Sergeant Barnes and his companions, two of the buried men were saved , and the bodies of the other three marines were recovered. His unswerving devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
/s/ Frank Knoxl
Secretary of the Navy