The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert M. Barrett (ASN: 37515119), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. During the period from 5 January through 7 January 1945, at Gambsheim, France, Private Barrett and other members of the wire section installed and repaired telephone circuits between the Battalion Observation Post, Battalion Command Post and front line companies in the face of heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire. On one occasion Private Barrett and other members of his crew entered the Battalion Observation Post while under enemy fire and repaired the wire circuit. As a result of their acts vital communications were maintained.