The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Coxswain W. C. Barts (NSN: 6586242), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on board the U.S.S. ARCTURUS (AKA-1), during the amphibious invasion of Italy in the Gulf of Salerno on 9 September 1943. Coxswain Barts was detailed as a member of a salvage boat crew from the U.S.S. ARCTURUS. The mission of this boat crew was to salvage stranded landing craft from the assault beaches. With great courage and untiring efforts, while under continuous enemy gunfire, he assisted in salvage operations which permitted many damaged and stranded landing craft to be returned to active service, thereby materially contributing to the success of the invasion. Coxswain Barts continued this hazardous mission until the boat in which he was embarked was sunk. The exceptional courage, complete disregard for his personal safety, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Coxswain Barts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.