The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Frank E Barron, Jr. (ASN: 0-341204), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Shuri, Ryukyu Islands, on 13 May 1945. When his company’s advance was temporarily halted by intense enemy mortar and machine gun fire, Captain Barron left his observation post and, completely disregarding the enemy fire, ran seventy-five yards across an open field to locate an M-8 self-propelled 75-mm. howitzer. He then walked beside it again under fire and guided it to a position from which it destroyed two enemy light machine guns. The company still hesitated to advance in the face of the enemy mortar fire. Realizing that the morale of his men was low because of the heavy casualties the company had sustained, Captain Barron moved forward under enemy fire to his leading platoon and personally led his company in the attack. His presence with the leading elements so inspired the men that they advanced and quickly took the objective. Later in the day when the battalion commander was wounded, Captain Barron assumed command and made a reconnaissance of the front lines, personally directing the companies into positions which enabled the battalion to hold the objective. Captain Barron’s gallant conduct and complete disregard for his own safety under fire served as an inspiration to all members of the battalion and enabled them to take and hold an important objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Barron, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.