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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Carpenter’s Mate First Class Clifford Bailey Barnhill (NSN: 3820192), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action during the amphibious assault on the Island of Sicily in July 1943. The U.S.S. LST-158, hit by a bomb from an enemy plane, was aflame when Carpenter’s Mate First Class Barnhill boarded her to assist in rescuing survivors. Ammunition was continuously exploding on deck, and, at great risk of his own life, he assisted in rescuing an officer of the U.S. Army, who, because of severe wounds, was unable to move from the deck of the burning ship. His action was beyond the call of duty , and was courageous, forthright, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Carpenter’s Mate First Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Biscayne (AVP-11)

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Carpenter’s Mate First Class Clifford Bailey Barnhill (NSN: 3820192), United States Navy, for heroism while serving on board the U.S.S. BISCAYNE (AVP-11), on 12 September 1943, at Salerno Bay, during the Amphibious Invasion of Italy. The S.S. LYMINGE, loaded with a cargo of gasoline, land mines and chlorine gas, was hit by an enemy bomb which started several large fires aboard and forced the crew to abandon ship. Carpenter’s Mate First Class Barnhill, as a member of the U.S.S. BISCAYNE fire and rescue party, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, boarded the burning ship, and, in spite of imminent danger of explosions, courageously assisted in fire fighting operations which eventually brought all fires under control, thereby saving a valuable ship for future operations. The extraordinary heroism and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Carpenter’s Mate First Class Barnhill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.