John F. Barrett Jr.’s Silver Star citation

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

SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN F. BARRETT,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader attached to Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 15 September 1944. Leading his platoon against strongly held enemy positions guarding Peleliu Airfield, Second Lieutenant Barrett encountered fierce rifle and machinegun opposition from enemy pillboxes located across a road parallel to the platoon’s front which caused heavy casualties in his two assault squads and completely halted their advance. After a personal reconnaissance of his platoon’s position, he left his assault squads under command of his platoon sergeant and led his support squad to the left in an attempt to outflank the enemy and attack from the rear. When a hostile mortar barrage caused heavy casualties and disorganized his flanking unit as he was leading it into position to cross the road, Second Lieutenant Barrett quickly rallied the remaining men and charged forward into the midst of the Japanese positions, launching a devastating, close-range attack with hand grenade and carbine fire until he himself fell, mortally wounded. Continuing to direct his men despite his wounds until the hostile strong point was entirely annihilated, Second Lieutenant Barrett, by his inspiring leadership, outstanding fortitude and valiant fighting spirit, had enabled his platoon to continue its successful attacks on the enemy positions and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”

For the President,
James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy.