Lester John Barre

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lester John Barre, Quartermaster Second Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action during the attack on the Light Cruiser U.S.S. MARBLEHEAD (CL-12), by Japanese enemy bombers on 4 February 1942. Surrounded by electrical fires, Quartermaster Second Class Barre worked tirelessly and with unflinching courage to free the jammed rudder and to lock it amidships. The conduct of Quartermaster Second Class Barre throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.