Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 26, 1945

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 295 (August 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Donald Herbert Barnes (ASN: 32837897), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. At 1500 hours, 26 January 1945, in the Bois De Riedwier, France, Private First Class Barnes jumped aboard a flak wagon and directed its fire against an enemy counterattack. When, because of poor visibility, the flak wagon ran out of targets, Private First Class Barnes leaped from the vehicle and advanced toward the hidden enemy fifty yards away, drawing their fire upon himself. When the Germans opened fire, Private First Class Barnes personally killed two with his M-1, and the fire of the flak wagon on the exposed enemy halted the counterattack. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.