The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Shipfitter First Class Russell Benton Barringer (NSN: 3467693), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of the U.S.S. BISCAYNE’s (AVP-11) Fire and Rescue Party. During the amphibious assault on the Island of Sicily in July 1943, Shipfitter First Class Barringer boarded the U.S.S. LST 158, which had been abandoned and was burning fiercely with continuous explosions of gasoline contained in vehicles on her deck, and, during a dive bombing attack, assisted in the rescue of a severely wounded Army officer, who because both his legs were broken, was unable to move from the deck of the burning ship. The outstanding courage and intrepidity in action displayed by Shipfitter First Class Barringer were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.