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 Captain George W. Barnett (MCSN: 0-27387), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea while serving with a Marine Observation Squadron on 13 January 1953. Serving as a helicopter pilot, Captain Barnett displayed outstanding courage, professional skill and devotion to duty. Although faced with the extremely hazardous conditions of darkness and haze, he courageously volunteered to evacuate two critically wounded Marines from a forward aid station. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety, he expertly maneuvered his aircraft into the dangerous approach and gained the landing strip safely. The two emergency evacuation patients were hurriedly loaded onto the helicopter and under the same hazardous conditions, he courageously flew them to a rear area medical aid station for hasty treatment to be administered to the two injured Marines. Captain Barnett’s alertness, efficient action and outstanding devotion to duty served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



