The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Fist Lieutenant (Infantry) Larry Larue Barnes, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Barnes distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 26 April 1968, Lieutenant Barnes’ company had been surrounded by an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese Regulars, while occupying a defensive perimeter on Chu Moor Hill, west of Kontum. During the engagement Lieutenant Barnes, disregarding his own safety, moved forward of the perimeter with some ammunition bearers in order to place suppressive 90-mm. fire on an enemy machine gun bunker 75 meters distant. Although he was wounded during the action Lieutenant Barnes refused to be evacuated. When other injured soldiers were being evacuated, Lieutenant Barnes, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire in order to lay down suppressive fire to cover the evacuation. His calm, determined attitude set a magnificent example to his men and permitted his platoon to accomplish its mission. His brave actions contributed immensely to the repulsion of the enemy attack. First Lieutenant Barnes’ personal bravery, aggressiveness and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.