The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Thomas C. Barger, Jr. (NSN: 2453196), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area during the period from 26 February 1945 to 17 April 1945. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Barger completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Thomas C. Barger, Jr. (NSN: 2453196), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On the night of 18 May 1945, as a member of the crew of a PBM aircraft, which found a convoy of five enemy ships headed for Kiirun, Formosa, without hesitation, a daring mast-head bombing run was made on the largest and nearest vessel. With all bombs expended, he aided materially in attacking the remaining vessels by strafing, first silencing all anti-aircraft guns by accurate shooting. Although close to a night fighter base and clearly visible in the brilliant light of the blazing ship, which he had aided in strafing, he again aided in pressing home the attack on the remaining three ships of the convoy. This relentless attack continued for one hour and fifteen minutes until four ships had been sunk and one left furiously burning. Only then, after expert expenditure of some 3,000 rounds of 50 caliber ammunition which nearly exhausted the supply, did in the latter part of the attack; having aided materially in the sinking or destruction of 17,000 tons of enemy shipping. His courage and conduct throughout this action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.