The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Russell Middleton Barber (MCSN: 1866636), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 July 1966. During Operation Hastings in Quang Tri Province, Sergeant Barger’s Company was providing rear security for a Battalion march column when it came under heavy mortar, small arms and automatic weapons fire from all sides from a North Vietnamese force of regimental size. When his Platoon Sergeant was killed in the initial attack, Sergeant Barber immediately assumed the duties of that billet. Reacting quickly, he courageously moved through intense enemy fire to administer first aid to the wounded, encourage his men and direct their fire on the enemy emplacements. Throughout the five hour battle, he repeatedly exposed himself to the deadly enemy fire and performed in an exceptionally heroic manner. When reinforcements were on the way, he ran 400 meters, completely exposed to enemy fire, to guide them back to his position. Under his heroic leadership, the integrity of his platoon was maintained and the reinforcements arrived quickly to silence enemy fire before the friendly positions were overrun. His outstanding leadership and daring actions inspired his men and were significant factors in repelling the vicious attack. By his exceptional courage, imitative and unfaltering dedication to duty, Sergeant Barber was instrumental in the destruction of over 200 of the enemy and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.