Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 11, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 180 (June 8, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Harold L. Barber (ASN: RA-14238598), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 3d Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne), 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 11 April 1951, after clearing the village of Kantonghyon, Korea, Sergeant Barber’s platoon launched an attack against a well-defended enemy hill but was pinned down by mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire. Sergeant Barber, assuming command of the platoon when his leader was wounded, led his men in a bayonet assault on the enemy entrenchments. Although wounded by a grenade fragment, he encouraged and inspired his men to greater efforts, and they renewed the vigor of their assault, accounting for approximately seventeen enemy dead and capturing one prisoner. The outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Barber reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service.