Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Regiment:

    350th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    88th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 12, 1944

    Headquarters, 88th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 90 (October 21, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Frank F. Barone (ASN: 32408610), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in action on 12 July 1944, in the vicinity of Volterra, Italy. Technical Sergeant Barone distinguished himself by his gallant conduct in action against the enemy when he personally led one platoon of Company G in the attack against the enemy who were locat5ed on a high ridge. The platoon encountered concentrated machine gun and small arms fire as it advanced up the hill. Never faltering in his advance, Technical Sergeant Barone led the platoon through the full fury of the hostile fire to a position where they could see the enemy. In the short but bitter battle that followed, Technical Sergeant Barone personally killed three enemy soldiers and captured four. The remainder of the platoon killed ten and captured eighteen enemy soldiers, with a total of three machine gun nests destroyed. The momentum of the attack had carried the company in front of the battalion line. The company commander, realizing the seriousness of the situation, went on a personal reconnaissance to contact the company on the right flank. As all the officers had become casualties, Technical Sergeant Barone assumed command of the three rifle platoons, reorganized them, and supervised the repelling of a determined enemy counterattack which tried to flank. He called for artillery fire on the attacking enemy, which helped smash the attack. The next morning countless numbers of the enemy were found dead on the battlefield. The magnificent courage, determined aggressiveness, and outstanding initiative of Technical Sergeant Barone, coupled with his splendid ability to lead and handle men was an inspiration to all who witnessed the action and exemplifies the heroic qualities of the Armed Forces.