The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander John Curtis Barrow, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while attached to Fighter Squadron THIRTY-TWO (VF-32), embarked in U.S.S. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42) from 20 August 1966 to 3 December 1966. Commander Barrow courageously and brilliantly led daily strikes and missions in heavily defended areas of North Vietnam, consistently inflicting severe damage or total destruction to his targets; often in the face of intense and accurate automatic weapons, radar controlled anti-aircraft fire, and surface-to-air missiles. His complete knowledge of the tactical employment of the F-4B weapons system and his displayed ability to employ it in a combat environment under the most hazardous conditions was an inspiration to the entire squadron which he led. His leadership was exemplified in his ability for tactical improvisation and the manner in which he aggressively pressed home lethal attacks while exposing his flight to minimal risk. Commander Barrow consistently inflicted severe damage to the enemy’s lines of communication and transportation system. His outstanding leadership in every phase of warfare from planning to execution and his own expertise in performance under duress provided an outstanding example for the squadron which he led. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral John Curtis Barrow, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from April 1973 to April 1975.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34)Action Date:
June 28, 1972 – March 6, 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain John Curtis Barrow, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ORISKANY (CVA-34) and Commander Task Group 77.4 from 28 June 1972 to 6 March 1973. Captain Barrow displayed exceptional professional competence, personal leadership and management expertise in directing the operations of the ORISKANY/CVS-19 team against the most heavily defended targets in modern aerial warfare. Demonstrating sound advice and judgment as a Task Group Commander, Captain Barrow ensured strict compliance with the complex and rapidly changing rules of engagement, thereby avoiding any potentially embarrassing political incidents. Alert to the welfare of his crew throughout the long arduous deployment, he was responsible for a consistent high state of morale throughout his ship. Captain Barrow’s resourcefulness, inspirational leadership ability and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral John Curtis Barrow, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Politico-Military Policy Division and Special Assistant for Latin American Affairs, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations from May 1975 to July 1977. During this period, Rear Admiral Barrow participated in and directly contributed to the formulation of national defense policy. His exceptional grasp of the complex relationships involved in the shaping of national security policy enabled him, as the principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations on politico-military affairs, to exert significant influence on the development of a broad range of Navy and Department of Defense policies. Rear Admiral Barrow’s sound judgment and creative leadership resulted in a sustained level of excellence in Navy contributions to sensitive international negotiations concerning basing arrangements, strategic arms limitations, incidents at sea, Law of the Sea, and nuclear powered warship matters. He further distinguished himself as the Navy member of numerous international boards. His unceasing efforts on behalf of hemispheric defense cooperation, while a member of the Inter-American Defense Board and the Canada-U.S. Permanent Joint Board on Defense, were recognized and commended by several American nations. Rear Admiral Barrow’s distinctive achievements, professional acumen, and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Rear Admiral John Curtis Barrow, United States Navy, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Rear Admiral Barrow reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral John Curtis Barrow, United States Navy, was awarded a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.