The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Harold W. Barker (MCSN: 0-29142), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of the Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 25 February 1945. Making a difficult reconnaissance of the front line areas afoot to insure the success of his attack, First Lieutenant Barker persisted in familiarizing himself with the terrain and the situation despite continuous heavy fire of all types and hostile sniper fire. Choosing the best route of attack before returning to his tank, he boldly crossed known enemy fire lanes and placed himself within a few feet of Japanese positions. Then, taking his only remaining tank and a tank borrowed from another platoon, he spearheaded a coordinated tank-infantry attack. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.