The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Warrant Officer (Junior Grade), [then Technical Sergeant] William A. Barbee, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 175th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, in action near St. Lo, France, on 25 June 1944. In the absence of a commissioned officer, Warrant Officer Barbee assumed command of the company, reorganized it during a severe enemy attack, and personally moved a light machine gun from under heavy fire. Thereafter, he moved fearlessly about under hostile fire until an officer arrived to command the company. (Par. 2, sec. VI, DA General Orders 28, 1949, pertaining to the award of the Bronze Star Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for heroic achievement to Warrant Officer Barbee [then Sergeant First Class] during the same period is rescinded.)