The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Cesides V. Barberis (ASN: 0-33249), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 21 August 1950 at Hyongpung-Myon, Korea. On the evening of 21 August 1950, Major Barberis accompanied a platoon of Company B, 23d Infantry Regiment, on a mission which involved the furnishing of assistance to a patrol from an adjacent unit that had been pinned down by an enemy machine gun nest. When the platoon leader and the platoon sergeant were killed by machine gun fire from a cleverly concealed machine gun nest in the eaves of a building, Major Barberis immediately, and without regard to his own personal safety, took charge of the platoon, and single-handedly destroyed the machine gun nest by killing its three occupants. Although still under automatic rifle fire, he recovered the body of the platoon sergeant, and while furnishing covering fire, directed the successful withdrawal of the platoon. Major Barberis’ courageous action undoubtedly materially reduced the number of casualties suffered by the platoon. His bravery and leadership are in keeping with the highest standards and traditions of the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Cesides V. Barberis (ASN: 0-33249), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. Colonel Barberis was commanding a provisional company consisting of the remaining elements of his depleted battalion, which was to act as the advance guard of the regiment in breaking through an enemy roadblock. When the enemy attacked his unit in force, he fully exposed himself to the hostile fire to set up a recoilless rifle. The intensity of the enemy fire, however, rendered the weapon useless. As the fighting developed, Colonel Barberis organized and led his troops in repelling the enemy, personally killed ten of the fanatic attackers and inspired his outnumbered men to fight on. During this action, one of his platoon leaders and two men fell seriously wounded and were lying under the continuing hostile fire. Disregarding his personal safety, Colonel Barberis helped the wounded into a truck and drove through a hail of fire to a position from where they could be evacuated to safety. He then returned to his unit and, by his inspiring leadership and determination, held his position until other elements of the regiment had passed through. He then reorganized his company and led it through the roadblock to safety. The gallantry and devotion to his men displayed by Colonel Barberis reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.