The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Aviation Chief Ordnanceman Loran Eli Barbour (NSN: 6637929), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while in serving as Acting Commanding Officer of Naval Combat Demolition Unit TWENTY-TWO (NCDU-22) during the amphibious assault on the Normandy Coast of France on 6 June 1944. Aviation Chief Ordnanceman Barbour, facing heavy machinegun and artillery fire, showed exceptional bravery, leadership and initiative in the placing of charges and the blowing of a fifty yard gap in enemy beach obstacles. Although severely wounded, he calmly directed marking of the gap through which troops could be landed, and directed his men after completion of their mission to assist in aiding the wounded and evacuating the casualties. The inspirational leadership and cool courage displayed by Aviation Chief Ordnanceman Barbour throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.