Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospital Corpsman Third Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade

    Action Date:

    January 25, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Stephen Clark Barrett (NSN: B-100742), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 25 January 1968 while serving as a Corpsman with Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation BADGER CATCH, Petty Officer Barrett’s platoon was positioned as a blocking force near the village of Xom Con Tong in Quang Tri Province when the unit came under intense small arms fire. In the initial burst of fire, four Marines were seriously wounded, three of whom were lying in an exposed area. Completely aware of the dangers involved, Petty Officer Barrett unhesitatingly left the relative security of his position and, disregarding the enemy fire around him, maneuvered across thirty meters of fire-swept terrain to carry one wounded Marine to a position where he could administer medical aid. Undaunted by the continuing heavy volume of hostile fire, he again moved across the open, hazardous area to the side of the remaining casualties and, while assisting them to an area of relative safety, was painfully wounded in the leg. After rendering medical assistance to his wounded comrades, Petty Officer Barrett moved to the side of another injured Marine and administered first aid. Subsequently, while assisting in the evacuation of the wounded, he was again hit by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded. By his courage, unfaltering determination, and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Barrett undoubtedly saved the lives of several companions. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.