The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John E. Barnett (MCSN: 0-21762), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea while serving as a pilot attacked to a Marine Fighter Squadron. On 18 June 1951, Captain Barnett took off with his flight from an advanced airbase upon request of a Marine forward air controller for close air support. Despite hazardous terrain and conditions of reduced visibility, Captain Barnett skillfully and safely led his flight to the target area. Quickly identifying his targets and working in close conjunction with an airborne controller, Captain Barnett, despite heavy and accurate small arms fire and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, made repeated attacks against enemy positions which were inflicting casualties among friendly forces. As a result of his fearless bombing, napalm and strafing attacks, some eighty enemy troops were killed and enemy fire on friendly troops ceased. Finishing the attacks on this target, Captain Barnett led his flight further inland into enemy territory and by reconnaissance found an enemy artillery position and enemy vehicles. Again, fearlessly leading the attack, these were bombed and strafed, so as to completely destroy the vehicles and severely damage the artillery position. Captain Barnett’s skillful flying and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.