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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 Sergeant Joseph T. Barr (ASN: 1550805), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Battery D, 76th Field Artillery, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Chateau-Thierry, France, during the night of 14 – 15 July 1918. While in command of a “roving” gun section, Sergeant Barr took up a position about 500 yards in rear of the front line and executed a fire mission while exposed to heavy enemy bombardment. Although wounded, he refused to go to the rear until his mission was completed and the gun returned to the battery.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    76th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 14 & 15, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Joseph T. Barr (ASN: 1550805), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Sergeant Barr displayed exceptional heroism in the Marne Defensive, 14 – 15 July 1918. He was in command of a rover gun and when an intense bombardment was opened stayed with his gun, in spite of the fact that most of his crew were casualties. Through his heroic actions he was able to bring his gun safely back to his battery and to take part in the battle which followed. In this battle he was wounded, but insisted on remaining until ordered to the rear by his battery commander. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]