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 Command Sergeant Major Raymond C. Barrett (ASN: RA-16265810), United States Army, for gallantry in action:. Command Sergeant Major Barrett distinguished himself by heroic actions on 18 August 1968, while serving as Command Sergeant Major with the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a reconnaissance in force mission in an area suspected to contain an NVA headquarters, contact was made and during the ensuing battle, Command Sergeant Major Barrett repeatedly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire. On one assault, Command Sergeant Major Barrett was responsible for destroying a well placed enemy machine gun and its crew. Armed with an M60 machine gun, an M16 rifle, and numerous hand grenades, he placed devastating fire on the well dug-in and well concealed enemy positions. His display of coolness under fire and desire to close with and destroy the enemy was an inspiration to those who observed him. Command Sergeant Major Barrett’s fearless acts of heroism in the face of the enemy saved numerous lives and made a profound impression on the men of his battalion. Command Sergeant Major Barrett’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Battalion, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Soldier’s Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Soldier’s Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Command Sergeant MajorDivision:
25th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 15, 1969
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 8171 (June 25, 1969)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Command Sergeant Major Raymond C. Barrett (ASN: RA-16265810), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Command Sergeant Major Barrett distinguished himself by heroic actions on 15 June 1969, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company 25th Infantry Division Support Command in the Republic of Vietnam. As he was proceeding through the billets area, Command Sergeant Major Barrett observed an enlisted man attempting to repair an antenna affixed to the roof of one of the buildings. As the soldier worked with the antenna, he came in contact with a high voltage wire which knocked him down on the roof and stopped his breathing. Despite the dangerous electricity flowing through the tin roof, Command Sergeant Major Barrett unhesitatingly leaned onto the roof and aided in removing the incapacitated soldier. Even though sustaining shocks, Command Sergeant Major Barrett continued the rescue and when on the ground administered first aid to the unconscious man. His valorous actions were instrumental in saving a man’s life. Command Sergeant Major Barrett’s bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Command Sergeant MajorBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
5th Infantry RegimentDivision:
25th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
August 1968 – July 1969
Headquarters, U.S. Army Vietnam, General Orders No. 2105 (June 13, 1969)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Command Sergeant Major Raymond C. Barrett (ASN: RA-16265810), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Republic of Vietnam from August 1968 to July 1969.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Command Sergeant MajorBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
5th Infantry RegimentDivision:
25th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 11, 1968
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 6631 (May 9, 1969)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Command Sergeant Major Raymond C. Barrett (ASN: RA-16265810), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Command Sergeant Major Barrett distinguished himself by heroic actions on 11 September 1969, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. While escorting the Tay Ninh to Dau Tieng convoy, elements of the 5th Infantry came under an intense attack by a large enemy force. Command Sergeant Major Barrett, who was flying with the command and control helicopter, immediately began to place accurate M-79 grenade fire on the hostile positions. During several low level passes over the contact area, Command Sergeant Major Barrett, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to the hail of fire as he helped to load the wounded men onto the helicopter and to direct he passage of the convoy. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the insurgent force. Command Sergeant Major Barrett’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.