The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Edward J. Barrett, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 388th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy while serving with the FIFTH Army in Italy, during the advance on the Gothic Line during World War II. During an attack upon an enemy-held hill, when bitterly resisting enemy forces had halted the advance of his platoon with heavy fire, Lieutenant Barrett formed a base of fire and led the remainder of his men in a wide flanking movement to the rear of the hostile emplacements. While under fire from the enemy weapons, he pin-pointed their location for his platoon by firing tracer bullets into them. In this manner he enabled the assault troops to move in and destroy the German positions without loss. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.