Donald Blair Barber

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Donald Blair Barber (0-337252), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VT-82), embarked from the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action on 7 April 1945, in an attack against a powerful Japanese Task Force in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan. Together with his Division Leader, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Barber pressed home a coordinated two-plane attack which scored a torpedo hit on an enemy cruiser or large destroyer and contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel. The attack was made in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire of all calibers from other warships in the formation. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Barber’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0592 (July 4, 1945)