Stanley Maitlan Barnes

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Stanley Maitlan Barnes, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while Commanding Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron FIFTEEN (MTB-15), during the Tunisian and Sicilian Campaigns from 1 August 1943 to 20 August 1943. Lieutenant Commander Barnes ably administered, trained and courageously operated his squadron during the enemy’s evacuation of Tunisia, and the preparatory phase, assault and final operations of the occupation of the Island of Sicily. PT boats of this squadron executed patrol and reconnaissance missions which were of inestimable value to our own forces. They also carried out many daring and damaging raids on shipping, seriously disrupting enemy sea communications. On many of these occasions, the task group was personally commanded by Lieutenant Commander Barnes whose skillful and fearless leadership was responsible for the outstanding success attained. Between 1 and 20 August 1943, he directed offensive sweeps along the North Coast of Sicily which culminated in the capture of the Eolie Islands and stoppage of enemy sea borne traffic thereby contributing materially to the rapid success of the SEVENTH Army towards Messina. The exceptional bravery, aggressive leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Barnes were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334 (January 1945)