The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Field Musician First Class Howard C. Barling (MCSN: 444690), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Fifth Defense Battalion (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during the enemy Japanese bombing of Funafuti Island on 22 April 1943. When the slit trench which he occupied caved in from an exploding Japanese bomb, Field Musician First Class Barling dug out a comrade from under the debris and assisted in rescuing the remaining men. During this action an Army plane about 75 feet away, fully loaded with fused bombs and gasoline, received a hit from an exploding bomb, caught fire and exploded, showering him with fragments and burning gasoline and setting fire to several personnel huts in the immediate area. Although suffering from minor burns and wounds, Field Musician First Class Barling disregarded the fires and exploding .50-caliber ammunition in the burning plane, and continued his rescue efforts until all personnel in the trench had been removed to safety. His courage, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.