The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Chief Torpedoman John E. Barton, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the U.S.S. TRITON (SS-210) during the Second War Patrol of that Submarine in the enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the East China Sea from 25 January to 19 March 1942. As leading Chief Petty Officer-in-Charge of the Forward Torpedo Room, his outstanding skill and inspiring leadership of the torpedo personnel in maintaining torpedoes and torpedo tubes in a constant state of readiness, and his excellent supervision of the firing of torpedoes, contributed materially to the successful execution of four attacks which, despite intensive enemy aircraft anti-submarine patrols and adverse weather conditions, resulted in the sinking of two enemy ships totaling 12,000 tons and the damaging of two ships totaling 15,000 tons. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all with whom he served and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.