Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert J. Barbour (MCSN: 0-21057), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 May 1952. Although his aircraft sustained two severely damaging hits by intense and accurate hostile fire during a massed aerial assault against vital enemy installations, Captain Barbour calmly remained over the critical target for over three hours and, skillfully maintaining control of his crippled plane, courageously directed the flight in the attack until complete destruction of the objective was achieved. By his superb airmanship, outstanding determination and selfless devotion to the fulfillment of a vital task, he served to inspire all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the success of a mission which greatly reduced the enemy’s war making potential. His gallant actions and fearless leadership reflect the highest credit upon Captain Barbour and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 212 (VMF-212)

    Action Date:

    March 3, 1952

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 8601 (July 7, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert J. Barbour (MCSN: 0-21057), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of a fighter aircraft on 3 March 1952. Captain Barbour, as a member of a four plane flight, took off on a pre-briefed strike to work with an airborne controller, who directed the flight to the target area, which was the village of Kosong. Upon arrival at the designated area, he participated in a series of well coordinated bombing attacks, and despite intense fire from automatic weapons and sharply rising terrain immediately beyond the target, pressed his attack to ground level. With exceptional accuracy he placed his bombs exactly in an enemy Command Post housed in the village, destroyed it and the surrounding buildings, and inflicted fifty enemy casualties. The flight then proceeded to a secondary target, where Captain Barbour, in another series of attacks, contributed to the destruction of several bunkers and the infliction of twenty-five more enemy casualties. Captain Barbour’s superb airmanship and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.