The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Claude O. Barnhill, Jr. (MCSN: 0-28796), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Kure Naval Base, Southwest Honshu, Japan, on 19 March 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based fighter aircraft he was a member of a flight which destroyed nine airborne enemy aircraft and damaged seven others. These results were brilliantly achieved in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds in an engagement deep within the enemy’s well-defended Inland Sea sector. He aided in fighting off the numerically superior force of enemy aircraft and in protecting the badly damaged planes of his formation. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 First Lieutenant Claude O. Barnhill, Jr. (MCSN: 0-28796), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the Tokyo, Iwo Jima, Kyushu and Okinawa areas as pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane during the period from 16 February to 23 April 1945. First Lieutenant Barnhill participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping and ground installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.