The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Ventura Barata (ASN: 0-1169417), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Battery, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 May 1951, in the vicinity of Kojok-Kogae, Korea. On that date Captain Barata was an Artillery Liaison Officer attached to the 3d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment to act as Forward Observer and direct the fire of the 15th Field Artillery Battalion in support of an attack by Company I. From a forward observation post that was under intense enemy small arms fire, Captain Barata, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, directed effective artillery fire on the well-dug-in and determined enemy with such devastating results that the enemy was forced to withdraw. Captain Barata’s direction of the fire on enemy positions enabled Company I to reach its objective. Captain Barata moved forward to another observation post. The enemy launched a fanatical counterattack, dislodging elements of Company I, causing the new observation post to come under concentrated small arms fire. Again Captain Barata steadfastly remained in his perilous positions directing artillery fire that eventually routed the enemy and permitted Company I to retake and secure the objective. The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Barata reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.