Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    October 22, 1951

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 11195 (November 30, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Joseph L. Barr (MCSN: 0-47355), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea on 22 October 1951. Serving as the pilot of a slow, unarmed, observation aircraft, First Lieutenant Barr was on a reconnaissance flight forward of the friendly lines in the Kurye-dong area, when he was assigned the mission of locating enemy artillery which was inflicting casualties on friendly forces. He immediately, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, searched the area at a dangerously low altitude, even though his aircraft was hit and damaged by the intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. By his courageous actions, he located the enemy artillery and skillfully conducted a fire mission which destroyed the positions and neutralized the area, thereby reducing the casualties of the friendly force. First Lieutenant Barr’s courageous actions and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    November 22, 1951

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 26653 (September 6, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Joseph L. Barr (MCSN: 0-47355), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea on 22 November 1951, as a Marine observation pilot. First Lieutenant Barr, completing a weather reconnaissance mission over the front lines, detected flashes from enemy artillery fire in the Ipo-ri area where friendly units were encountering heavy artillery fires. Although hampered by freezing rain and snow and limited visibility, First Lieutenant Barr flew his slow, unarmed aircraft in search of the enemy gun positions. With complete disregard for his own personal safety he reconnoitered at dangerously low altitudes, thereby exposing himself to intense small arms and anti-aircraft machine gun fire. He located several active artillery positions and immediately directed a fire mission on them. Twice he returned to an area of warmer air currents to de-ice the airfoils on his aircraft. Subject to continuous fire from two heavy anti-aircraft machine guns he made frequent low passes to estimate the damage. His selfless devotion to duty and professional competence were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.