The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Corporal Charles P. Barrett, Jr. (MCSN: 1085097), United States Marine Corps, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving as an operator of a gasoline fuel truck attacked to a Marine All-Weather Fighter Squadron at Bradshaw Air Force Base, Pusan, Korea, on 13 May 1951. Corporal Barrett, while performing his duties as the operator of a gasoline truck refueling aircraft on the aircraft flight line, was informed that the truck was on fire as he dismounted from the truck to assist in refueling one of the aircraft parked on the flight line. Corporal Barrett, aware that the aircraft parked on the flight line were combat loaded and that the burning cargo of gasoline in the truck might explode at any time, immediately boarded the truck, which was all aflame in the rear, and drove the truck down the taxiway, and clear of all aircraft, before leaving the cab of the flaming truck to seek his own safety. The cargo of gasoline in the truck subsequently exploded destroying the truck without injury to any personnel or damage to aircraft. His prompt action and complete disregard for personal safety prevented the destruction by fire of the combat loaded aircraft on the flight line with the resultant danger to personnel in the area. His initiative and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.