The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Watertender Second Class Samuel Carl Barbier (NSN: 6102417), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a member of the crew of the U.S.S. BENNETT (DD-473), during operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Okinawa on 7 April 1945. While occupying a hazardous radar picket station, his ship was hit and seriously damaged by an enemy suicide plane which struck in his station, the forward fireroom. Though critically burned by escaping high pressure steam, he remained alone at the steaming boiler and secured the supply of fuel oil to the burners thus minimizing the danger of serious fires and explosions. By his courage and determination he was largely instrumental in controlling the damage and saving his ship and the lives of his shipmates. His heroic conduct and disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.