The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry), [then Captain] Joseph Barnowski (ASN: 0-1291058), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. North of Kunu-ri, Korea, on 30 November 1950, Major Barnowski, on his own initiative, was attempting to reestablish contact with the command post of an adjacent battalion during a sharp engagement with strong hostile forces. Although incurring heavy enemy fire, he entered enemy-held Kunu-ri, skillfully eluded sizeable hostile forces and reach the command post area only to find it evacuated. Escaping through a barrage of small arms fire, he crossed open fields and icy streams, contacted other friendly units and reported the tactical situation by radio to his battalion commander. Major Barnowski’s valorous actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.


