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) John W. Barrett (ASN: 0-24448), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 5 April 1945, at Wurzburg, Germany. Major Barrett was acting as Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, during the attack upon Wurzburg, Germany, when the battalion became disorganized as a result of heavy casualties sustained from enemy sniper fire. Learning that the Company Commander of one of the attacking companies and the Executive Officer of the other Company were both casualties, Major Barrett proceeded in the face of intense enemy small arms and Panzerfaust fire to the Companies, apprised the platoon leaders of the situation, reorganized the battalion and issued orders for the resumption of the attack. Running more than one hundred yards to a command tank, he directed the tanks to continue the assault and reestablished contact with the regiment by radio. His outstanding courage and aggressive leadership were responsible for the continuation of the attack by his battalion and contributed greatly to the successful accomplishments of the regiment.