The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Sergeant Russell J. C. Barber (MCSN: 375051), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands Area from 5 April to 6 April 1944. Master Sergeant Barber completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.