Eric Lloyd Barr, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Eric Lloyd Barr, Jr. (0-73345), Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-242), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 18 September to 25 November 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Sulu Sea and in the area off Manila, Philippine Islands. Throughout the entire patrol, Commander Barr displayed exceptional aggressiveness and great courage and skill in directing his submarine in six torpedo and two gun attacks against the enemy. He repeatedly attacked under the most intense enemy countermeasures, and was responsible for the arrival of another submarine who together with BLUEGILL, completely annihilated an enemy convoy. In two gun attacks, a coastal steamer was destroyed and two sea trucks heavily loaded, were damaged. Two other attacks were attempted. In the first, all torpedoes missed because of a radical zig on the part of the target; the second attack was frustrated by air cover which resulted in a very severe depth charge attack, during which flames from the exploding charges entered the torpedo loading hatch. Commander Barr’s conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 7th Fleet, Serial 01140 (April 3, 1945)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Eric Lloyd Barr, Jr. (0-73345), Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-242), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 1 April 1944 to 1 June 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. While Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BLUEGILL on war patrol in enemy controlled waters, Commander Barr adeptly and daringly maneuvered his ship into firing position and by torpedo fire sank an enemy cruiser of the YUBARI class and one enemy merchant ship, with a total of 13,558 tons. Despite the great mental and physical strain n the long patrol in enemy waters he maneuvered his ship with great skill to press home the repeated attacks. Further, he maneuvered his ship away from the actions and prevented any damage to his ship by enemy anti-submarine vessels. Commander Barr’s conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 7th Fleet, Serial 01640 (June 23, 1944)