The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Shipfitter Second Class John Robert Barfuss (NSN: 3289117), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while in diving operations in the flooded machinery spaces of the U.S.S. CANBERRA (CA-70), from 18 October to 27 October 1944. Although the ship was under continuing threat of enemy air and submarine attack, and rolling deeply and machinery spaces were encumbered by debris from the torpedo explosion, he repeatedly entered these flooded machinery spaces in improvised shallow water diving gear and carried on emergency repairs to the point of physical exhaustion. His efforts contributed materially to the ship being removed from dangerous enemy waters to a safe anchorage. His utter disregard for his own safety was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.