The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Joseph Raphael Barbaro (NSN: 0-24838), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of the U.S. Naval Mission to Ecuador from 30 January 1941 to 19 December 1943. With a profound understanding of the problems of the Ecuadorian Navy he materially contributed to the war effort by engendering a mutual understanding and friendship between the United States and Ecuador which, combined with the instruction and training given the Navy personnel, enabled the naval forces of the two countries to work in close military cooperation toward the successful prosecution of the war. His tact, leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Joseph Raphael Barbaro (NSN: 0-24838), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. THOMAS JEFFERSON (APA-30), prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Commander Barbaro efficiently organized and thoroughly trained his ship and boat group to execute the assigned mission of loading, transporting to the assault area and landing the embarked Army assault units on the invasion beaches on the coast of Southern France. By skillful seamanship and aggressive coordination he brought his ship through prescribed routes to the proper unloading point in the transport area off the hostile shore, and when it became apparent that landing on the assigned beach was impossible because of extensive underwater obstructions, he expeditiously carried out the vital disembarkation and landing of assault elements against enemy resistance on an alternate beach. His able conduct of this task contributed materially to the effective establishment of the beachhead and to the overall success of the invasion. The extraordinary ability, cool and determined leadership and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Barbaro reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Barbaro is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)