Thomas E. Barrow

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas E. Barrow (267778), Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 26 February to 8 March 1945. Assuming command of a rifle platoon on 26 February, when the leader became a casualty, Platoon Sergeant Barrow braved intense enemy small-arms and mortar fire to lead each attack of his unit and, throughout the day, continually exposed himself to extreme danger while setting up defensive positions and giving encouragement to his men. Again on 7 March, when a second Platoon Leader was fatally wounded during an attack against hostile emplacements, Platoon Sergeant Barrow took charge under a hail of grenade, mortar and small-arms fire and executed a withdrawal to a more easily defended position. Although wounded while establishing the defense and thereafter completely surrounded by the enemy, he calmly remained in this position throughout the day, keeping his group intact by his bravery and clear thinking. After repulsing a Japanese attack on the following day, he skillfully effected a withdrawal and led the remaining eight men, seven of them wounded, through three hundred yards of hostile territory, once kicking a grenade away from his men despite wounds in both his legs. By his unfaltering courage, leadership and determination throughout, Platoon Sergeant Barrow saved the lives of his comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 56883-45