Dolph Barnett, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Dolph Barnett, Jr. (0-1300263), First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 6th Infantry Division near Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 1 March 1945. During a fierce barrage of enemy artillery fire on a hill which was occupied by a friendly infantry rifle company, Lieutenant Barnett, a mortar observer, immediately realized, that a counter-barrage of mortar fire was necessary to silence the enemy guns. Though his observation post was under enemy sniper fire, Lieutenant Barnett, with complete disregard for his personal safety, worked his way forward, to a point from which he could secure a better view of enemy positions. While exposed to enemy observation and fire, he directed a mortar barrage on the enemy, which was so accurate and intense that the guns were silenced, and the enemy destroyed. Upon completing this gallant act, a sniper’s bullet found its mark, mortally wounding Lieutenant Barnett.