The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Meredith L. Barnett (MCSN: 2584200), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 November 1970, while occupying a night defensive position northwest of DaNang, Sergeant Barnett’s platoon came under an artillery attack, the first round of which detonated approximately two hundred yards distant. As more rounds were heard coming in, and with members of the platoon unable to reach covered positions, Sergeant Barnett rushed to the Marine nearest him and threw himself on top of the man seconds before another round detonated only ten feet away. Although mortally wounded by this explosion, Sergeant Barnett succeeded in protecting his companion. By his great personal valor, inspiring initiative, and self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of a fellow Marine, Sergeant Barnett upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.