The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Frederick E. Barton, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the Battery A, 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 7th Infantry Division, in action near Hoengsong, Korea, on 13 February 1951. On that date, Private First Class Barton was cannoneer on an M-16 multiple machine gun half-track, which was part of the rear guard covering the withdrawal of an infantry task force. During the night, the other cannoneer was wounded by the intense enemy fire directed at the weapon from both sides of the road. Disregarding his own personal safety, Private First Class Barton exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire to assist in removing the wounded man from the turret. He then voluntarily assumed the tasks of both cannoneers for a period of over an hour to insure the continued firing of the guns. By his outstanding personal courage, Private First Class Barton kept all four guns of his half-track in action against the enemy and insured the success of the mission. Private First Class Barton’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.