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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Medical Corps) Thomas M. Barber, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 28th Infantry Regiment (Attached), 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cantigny, France, May 28 – 30, 1918. First Lieutenant Barber repeatedly demonstrated heroic self-sacrifice by caring for wounded under enemy fire with apparent contempt for his own safety. When his aid station had been destroyed by shell fire he promptly moved into a shell hole nearby and continued his faithful work.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Medical Corps)

    Regiment:

    28th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    May 27 – 31, 1918
    Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., General Orders No. 26 (June 15, 1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant Thomas Barber, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Barber distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 28th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. First Lieutenant Barber gave first aid in the open under heavy shell fire and during the entire action worked without regard to personal danger. [Thomas Barber was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for this same period.]