The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant George F. Barber (NSN: 0-137768), United States Navy, for heroism in action upon a report from a United States Army Bomb Disposal Unit and proceeding to investigate an unexploded German mine on 23 July 1944. The mine was identified and rendered safe without delay. Recognizing that the mine contained a completely new and critical combination of mine components, Lieutenant Barber utilized all facilities available for a thorough preliminary examination of the object. He analyzed the menace and solved it. Within two days he had delivered the new mine assembly to the Readiness Division of the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe, in order that instructions might be issues to the Mine Sweeping Units engaged in operations against the enemy and other effective counter measures be taken. This action was of material help to both the United States Navy and the Royal Navy in the accomplishment of their mission in the European Theater of Operations. The heroism, judgment and decisive action displayed on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.