The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Carpenter’s Mate Joseph R. Barbieri (NSN: 6421383), United States Navy, for heroism while assisting in the rescue of men trapped below decks in Number Four Fireroom after an enemy bomb hit and caused extensive fires and blast damage to his ship on 19 March 1945, in the vicinity of Shikoku Island. Working under adverse conditions of intense heat, dense smoke, and live steam from ruptured lines, he repeatedly risked his own life to rescue his shipmates; and though his vision was impaired by an eye injury incurred at the time, he materially assisted the repair party at the scene of the explosion in their damage control work for an extended period of time. His utter disregard for his own safety was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.