The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Private First Class John S. Barry (MCSN: 335165), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action on 26 December 1942, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Private Barry, a member of an Artillery Observation Party of Marines supporting infantry of the Army, was pinned to the ground, with others, by machine gun and rifle fire while accompanying advance infantry elements to obtain observation well forward. Stretcher bearers were attempting to evacuate one of the casualties when they were also brought under fire. Private First Class Barry and two others voluntarily and in complete disregard of their own safety succeeded in evacuating the wounded man.